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Quartet: Julie Ch. 01

By: coaster2



This is the third in a series of four vignettes. As those of you who have already experienced the first two will know, all the characters in the four segments are inter-related. The purpose of these stories was to examine the various relationships as they develop between men and women. It's probably ambitious for a first effort, but once I got started, I knew I was committed. For all of you who have offered comments and criticisms; my thanks. Feedback is god!

Chapter 01: A night to remember, A night to forget!

Julie lay back on her bed, her legs dangling over the side. She was looking at her old High School Yearbook, 1999, the year she graduated. She remembered her grad dance. She had needed all the powers of persuasion to convince her mother to let her buy the yellow dress. He mother was convinced it was too 'sexy'. She was, of course, right. It was cut low in the front, allowing the maximum display of cleavage. Its hem was just above the knee, but a slit up the right side of the skirt traveled dangerously high. She looked at the nearly four year old picture and it seemed as if it were a different person. Her blonde, medium length hair hadn't changed, but there was no way in hell that she would ever be able to fit into that lovely, sexy dress again. That was fifteen pounds ago. 

She lay on the bed in her pink, terrycloth housecoat. She had arrived home from work at her usual time; four o'clock. Robbie would be home in an hour or two, depending. She thought about her life since that graduation picture had been taken. She was never the most popular girl in school, but she had her share of dates. None of them 'cranked her starter', but at least some of the guys wanted to date her. Or maybe, they just wanted to get their hands on her tits, she thought. That was her prime asset; bit tits! Big, sensitive tits! Just letting a guy touch her nipples or even her aureoles would set her off. It was hard to be a virgin and still crave the touch of a man's hand on her breasts. She knew that was why she had so many offers for dates. The boys had only one thing on their mind; 'cop a feel'. She wondered idly if there was a contest with points for how many boys got a touch and extra points for the ones who tweaked or even sucked them. 

Her mind drifted back to that grad dance again. She had caused a mild sensation when she walked in. A warm May night, there was no need for a coat or sweater, so the sexy yellow dress was on its own. As she strolled across the dance floor to the tables on the far side, she felt the boys' eyes on her. She smiled inwardly and continued to walk to one of the dance floor-side tables, stopped, turned to survey the room and sat down. It took less than one minute for the first of the boys to sidled up and sit down. 

"Hey, Julie, you look super tonight. Nice dress." Ronnie Smythe was a basketball player, mediocre student and self-styled stud. At least he wasn't drooling, Julie thought. 

"Thanks, Ronnie. Did you come with someone?" she asked pointedly.

"Nah, you know me, I like to play the field Julie." he bragged.

Within a few seconds, two more or her classmates appeared; Bill Farnham and Jane Simmons. "Hi Julie," Jane exclaimed. "Wow! You look fabulous. Where did you get that dress? It's ... so ... sexy!" she said, pointedly. 

It went on like that for almost two hours. Guys and girls who wouldn't normally spend five seconds of their time to say hello, were suddenly dropping by to say Hi! Guys who she could barely remember their names asked her to dance. Of course, they all seemed to have one mission; look down the front of her dress. She enjoyed the attention. When she danced, it was amazing how many of them tried to slip their hands inside the slit in her dress. She spent as much time pushing their hands away as she did trying to ignore their erections pushed against her abdomen. 'Ah well', she thought, 'the price of fame!' It was fun. It was even more surprising when Mike Tulkman invited her to an 'after party'. She didn't have to think about it for long; she was happy to accept. Mike was a big, powerful young guy who played on the football team and was very popular with the girls. She was thrilled to be asked to a private party by him. They left together just before midnight.

At the party, she circulated with a drink Mike had given her; some kind of fruit punch. She talked to some her classmates and noticed a few people there she didn't recognize. Her drink tasted strong, so she sipped it slowly. It must have been an hour later when Mike walked up to her.

"How're making out Julie? he asked. Without waiting for a reply he said, "Here, let me freshen your drink." 

"Thanks." she said as he took her glass. Julie was feeling very light and happy. It was the most pleasant feeling she had experienced in a long time. Mike was back in a minute with another glass of punch and she took it from him and thanked him again.

This time, Mike stayed with her and they made small talk about the dance and graduation and what they planned for the future after high school. Mike was going to a local university to study medicine, he thought. Julie didn't have a plan. She didn't see herself in University, but she wanted to get into public relations or promotional work, so she was thinking of the local, two year junior college that might give her the courses she needed.

Julie noticed she was feeling a bit tipsy and she put the drink down on a nearby table. She started to head for the bathroom to freshen up when Mike caught up to her and held her arm. 

"Are you all right?" he asked, looking at her carefully.

"I don't know." she said, trying to focus on his face. "I feel woozy. I need to go to the bathroom."

\"Why don't you come with me?" he said, opening a door at the end of the hallway. "Here, Julie, lie down on this bed and rest a while. I'm sure you'll feel better soon." He pushed her down on the bed and lifted her legs up and onto the bedspread. 

Julie laid her head back and closed her eyes. She was drifting and couldn't seem to concentrate on anything. She felt lightheaded; dizzy, but not nauseous. 

"Let me loosen you clothes, Julie. You'll be more comfortable that way." she heard Mike's voice in the distance. It sounded funny, like a cartoon. She felt his hands undoing her dress and then pulling at her panties. She thought she was yelling "No! No! No! Stop it! Stop it!", but she wasn't sure. There was a hand over her mouth and she tried to scream. Then she felt something poking at her vagina. It was pushing at her. Then a finger pushed its way past her resistant thighs and into her. It was probing and poking her. Then the other thing was back and she felt driving into her. She opened her eyes; she saw Mike looking at her. His face was very close and he had a horrible look in his eyes. He was grunting and pushing into her and she felt a sharp stab of pain and then another and another. She also felt his hand holding both her wrists and his body on top of her. He was too heavy, she thought; he'll crush me. Her head was swirling and Mike's face moved away and she heard him groan and grunt. She felt something new inside her, like a warm liquid, but she was powerless to do anything about. 

Finally he got off her and off the bed. She opened her eyes and Mike was standing there, grinning at her. He said something, but she couldn't understand him. Something about 'not so bad was it', but she couldn't be sure. A moment later, someone else was climbing over her. She tried to scream, but a hand was over her mouth and she couldn't hear anything. She felt like she was spinning; her face was in the bedspread. She thought she heard Mike's voice. "Rip the bitch a new one Arnie! Atta boy! She felt a pain in her anus and then again and again and she cried and pleaded for him to stop. After a while, he did and the other body was gone. She lay face down on the bed, unable to move. Her vagina and anus felt as if they were on fire. She was crying and she wanted to go home but she couldn't move. She tried to lift her head and it felt like it weighed a hundred pounds. She heard voices again and tried to call for help, but the door was closed and now two men were there. Who are they she wondered as she looked at them. It wasn't Mike or anyone else she recognized, but they were talking to her. One of them opened his pants and took out his penis. It was big and purple and it was looking right at her. Then he climbed on her and once again the pain of penetration was back. She lost consciousness and it was her only blessing. She did not feel the entry of the other man. 

They were gone when she slowly came back to consciousness. The light in the bedroom has been turned out and the door was closed. She was barely aware of sounds coming from the other side of the door. Her head was clearing slightly. She lay on the bed and her hands went to her groin and she felt a sticky wetness. With great effort, she pulled her elbows back and propped herself up. The pain in her vagina was continuous and now she felt sharp pains in her rectum. She tried to look down at herself, but in the darkness, she could see nothing. Just that one movement took all the effort she could muster. She lay back and tried to think. With her right arm outstretched, she felt the night table top and then the small lamp. With all of her concentration, she willed her hand to find the switch and when she did, pushed it with all her might. The blaze of light almost blinded her. She had blue spots with orange halos floating in front of her eyes. Gradually they diminished and she realized her ability to focus had returned. She could see the ceiling light and the closet doors and the standing mirror to her right. She tried again to prop herself up on her elbows and look down at herself. When she finally managed it, she saw the blood and the torn dress and she fainted.

She couldn't hear the door open and the laughter of the girls as they entered. Their screams, however, were heard all over the house and probably at the neighbors. Others came running down the hall and pushed into the small bedroom.

"Oh my god," said one. "What happened?" said another. A cool male voice spoke. "It looks like she's been raped. Call 911 and get an ambulance."

"No!" one of the girls shouted. "We'll get in trouble." 

"We'll be in a lot more trouble if she bleeds to death." the cool male voice responded angrily. "Make the call or I will." he commanded. Julie became aware of someone kneeling beside the bed. She felt a cool hand gently on her face. "Can you hear me Julie?" he asked quietly. "Can you speak? If you can't, just move your head or nod." 

Julie could hear the detached, cool, calm voice. She felt safer. She moved her head toward the voice and saw Sam, one of her classmates. 'Sam to the rescue' she thought and then began to slip back into unconsciousness.

-0-

She awoke on a gurney in a hospital corridor. There were several people around her and she could tell she was moving somewhere. Doors banged open and she was in what looked like an operating room. She saw a face hovering over her. It was Chinese or Japanese and female. She had a hospital green cap and gown and there was a mask around her neck.

"Can you hear me miss?" the woman asked. She tried to talk, but couldn't seem to get anything out. She nodded instead.

"Were going to do an examination and see what's happened to you. Do you understand?" Julie nodded again. "Good! I can't give you an anesthetic because you've had some kind of drug or drugs and alcohol in you. Do you understand that?" Again, Julie nodded and tried to say 'yes'. It came out as a squawk. Her throat felt raw and it hurt to talk. 

"You're going to be able to feel me poking around inside you. Just try and relax as best you can. I'll try to be quick and out of there in no time." the nurse said reassuringly. 

Julie steeled herself for the invasion. She felt the warmth of the surgically gloved fingers open the lips of her labia and the cold metal of the instruments shocked her as they entered. The pain was still there and her muscles convulsed as the probing steel touched the damaged canal. The doctor gently rolled her over and probed with her gloved fingers between the cheeks of her buttocks. Her anus was incredibly sore and she could feel pain inside as well. In a few minutes, it was over. Julie exhaled and realized she had been able to think more clearly again. 

"My parents!" she called out in a raspy voice.

"Easy girl," one of the nurses said soothingly. "They've been called. They should be here when we get you to your room." 

Julie's head dropped back on the gurney and she began to weep. She held her hands over her eyes and let the emotions she had held back pour out of her. She was wracked with her sobs, struggling to breath and unable to stop crying. The realization of what had happened overwhelmed her. She had been raped and she felt shame and anger and sorrow to add to the pain. "How did I let this happen to me?" she asked herself as they wheeled her down a corridor and into an elevator. I few seconds later the elevator stopped and the doors opened. She was wheeled along another corridor, past a nursing station and finally into a room. 

"We'll help you get into the bed, Miss." one of the attendants said. They were careful to make sure they supported her on the three foot trip from the gurney to the bed. Julie felt more pain in her vagina and rectum, but was grateful for the softness of the bed and the pillow under her head. She looked around as they left and realized she was alone. Tears came to her eyes again. "How will I ever face my parents and my friends?" she wondered. 

In a matter of minutes her mother and father entered the room. Her mother had been crying and tears streamed down her face as she hurried to Julie's side and hugged her. 

"Oh, Julie, I'm so sorry. Are you alright? I mean ... "her voice trailed off. 

Julie's face was wet with both their tears. "They raped me mom, they raped me and ... and ... I couldn't stop them." she cried in her scratchy voice. She looked at her father and could see his face had become very red. He was very angry and Julie though he might be angry with her. "Daddy, I'm sorry. I couldn't stop them. I really couldn't." she cried hoarsely. 

"I know Julie, I know." I'm not mad at you," he said, realizing her worry. "But I'm very, very mad at them. They will pay for this ... I promise you! They will pay for this." His voice was low and quiet, but there was no mistaking the venom in his promise. Her parents sat on the edge of her bed for a while; saying little, trying to soother her and let her know of their unconditional love and support. They were finally interrupted when a uniformed figure appeared in the door way.

"Miss Payton?" she asked. "Miss Julie Payton?" The group recognized the uniform of the RCMP. 

"Yes? Julie replied.

"I'm Corporal Janet Mayne, from the local detachment." she said in an even, quiet voice. "I'd like to ask you a few questions if you think you are up to it. May I?"

"Yes, I guess so." Julie said a little hesitantly.

"Are you the parents?" she said, turning to them.

"Yes, yes we are." her father replied. "Is this necessary now?" 

"I wish this weren't necessary, sir, but we need to get Julie's story as clearly as she can remember it. We want to get moving on this case." she said reassuringly. "I'll need to talk to Julie alone, folks." she said apologetically. 

"Yes, of course." her father replied. John and Evelyn Payton walked slowly out of the room; John's arm protectively around his wife's back, softly holding her shoulder. They sat in the chairs against the wall across the hallway and watched as Corporal Mayne closed the door behind them.

"Well, Julie, you've had a pretty horrible night, haven't you." she said sympathetically. Julie just nodded in response, looking at the policewoman's face.

"Can you tell me what happened?" she asked quietly. "Just start at the beginning and tell me what you remember." She pulled a notebook from a leather pouch on her belt and a pen from her vest pocket.

"I don't know where to start." Julie said despairingly. 

"Why not start at the grad dance. Who did you go to the dance with?" she asked.

Julie began to tell the officer her story. She had gone to the dance with a couple of girl friends in their car and had danced with a number of the boys. She told the officer how Mike had asked her if she wanted to go with him to a house party afterward. She asked him where and whose house and he mentioned the name of one of the girls in her class. About eleven thirty, Mike came over to her and said "Let's get out of here and go over to Mandy's place." she remembered. There were four of them in the car, Mike, herself, Mike's friend Arnie and his date, Wendy. When they got to the house, the party was already going strong. She described the drink Mike had brought her and how she had slowly drank it. Then she told the Corporal about the second drink and how she began to feel 'funny' just after that.

"Julie, are you sure you just had those two drinks?" the policewoman asked pointedly.

"Yes, I'm very sure about that. I didn't really like it very much. It was too sweet and it tasted very strong. I don't drink; except a glass of wine with my folks at Christmas or New Years. I took it pretty slow. I don't think I had more than a couple of sips out of the second one when I started to feel woozy. I was going to go to the bathroom, but Mike took me to the bedroom and made me lie down."

"Do you remember where you put the drink down?" she asked.

"Yes, on the table beside the stereo, just before the hallway. I'm sure of that!" she said emphatically.

"Will you excuse me for a minute?" Corporal Mayne got up and walked to the far corner of the room. She pulled her portable police radio from her belt and Julie heard the squawk as she contacted her office. She spoke into the phone and listened to the replies, then signed off. Julie couldn't hear much of the conversation.

"Who were you calling?" Julie asked. 

"Our investigation team is still at the house. I've asked them to look and see if they can find that drink you left on the table. It could produce some evidence." she replied matter-of-factly.

"Oh. Do you think there was something in that drink?" she asked with a wrinkled brow.

"That's what we want to find out." she replied. "Can you go on with the story now Julie? Why don't you pick up when you started to feel 'funny'." she suggested.

Julie began again, but more haltingly than before. She was clearly uncertain of some of the events and the timing of them, but she tried to put them the order she remembered them. She spoke of Mike unbuttoning her dress and taking her belt and panties off. She started to weep when she recalled seeing his face on top of her and feeling the poking at her vagina. She told the policewoman of the pain and the feeling of helplessness as he pushed himself inside her. She thought it was over and then Arnie's face was looking at her and he was rough and he hurt her insides and then he was gone. 

"Rip the bitch a new one, Arnie" Julie suddenly exclaimed; her eye's widening in horror. "I remember, I remember ... it was Mike! He was laughing when Arnie was on top of me. He was still there, with Arnie." she cried, tears streaming down her face.

"Take it easy Julie. Are you sure it was Mike Tulkman and Arnold Baynes?" she asked directly. "Were they the one's who said that?" 

"It was Mike. He looked ... crazy or something. I remember his eyes. He looked crazy!" she exclaimed.

"Was Arnie there too?" she continued.

"Yes, he was on top of me." she responded.

"OK, Julie. What happened then?" the officer asked quietly.

"I'm not sure. I must have fainted or something. I just remember seeing two guys I didn't know in the room. One of them took his pants down and pulled out his ...you know ... thing." she said uncertainly. 


Quartet: Julie Ch. 01



"Do you mean his penis?" she asked quietly.

"Yes. It was big and ugly and ... and I don't remember any more until Sam came." she said softly.

"Can you describe these ... men?" Corporal Mayne asked.

Julie thought for a moment. "I don't think so. It was so murky and I couldn't focus my eyes or anything. They looked older than the other guys. I might remember if I saw them again, but I can't be sure. I'm sorry." she cried again. "I just want to go home. I just want to die." she wailed.

"Julie, who is Sam?" she asked.

"Sam? You mean Sam Collishaw?" she sniffed

"I don't know. You said Sam was at your side when you started to wake up. Is that who it was?" the Corporal asked.

"Yes, I think so. Yes, I'm pretty sure." she said more confidently.

The officer looked at her notebook and slowly closed it. "That's all I need for now, Julie. If you can think of anything else that might help us, here's my card. If you can remember anything else, I want you to call me. If I'm not there, leave a message that it's urgent and a number where I can call you back. Understood?"

"Yes mam." she said. "Do you think you'll catch them?" she asked quietly. "I mean the other two guys." she added.

"Too early to tell, Julie, but we'll be trying very hard, I promise you that." With that, she got up, said goodbye and left the room. She walked across the hall to Julie's parents and sat down in a chair beside them. 

"She's had a terrible experience." she began. "She remembers enough of it to help us find at least two of the perpetrators, but maybe not all of them."

"My god, there were more than two?" exclaimed her father.

"I think so. We'll know better when we get the lab reports, but she recalls at least two more guys; guys she didn't know, apparently. She has given us all the information she can remember right now, but she may recall some other information when she starts to recover. I've given her my card and I'll give you one too. Don't hesitate to call and have me paged. These investigations don't get better with age. Don't try and judge your daughter, either. There's a possibility she didn't do anything wrong except maybe accept a drink at a party. Let us do our job and I'm reasonably confident we'll get a proper result. OK?"

"Yes, of course officer." Julie's mother said. "And thanks for your consideration." 

"We'll keep our fingers crossed that you catch these bastards quickly." John said emphatically.

Corporal Janet Mayne turned and walked down the hall toward the elevator. 'Another fuckin' date rape,' she thought to herself. How many of these am I going to have to do this year? The poor kids don't even know what's happening. After a while, they just become statistics, but she wondered how many more of these interviews she could take before she asked for a transfer. The emotional toll was getting to be too much. She begged the Detachment Chief to bring in a couple more officers capable handling the role, but nothing had happened. The other women in the detachment had neither the stomach nor the compassion necessary to play the role. None of the men would touch it with a barge pole, so it all fell to her. If she left, she shuddered to think of what would happen to the victims them. She walked out of the hospital, got into her car and drove home. It was three a.m. and she needed to try to get some sleep; even if it likely wouldn't come.

-0- Mike and Arnie were charged with Sexual Assault. Mike tried to imply that Julie had been a willing participant, but his story fell apart when Arnie lost his nerve, thinking that he was headed for prison. He spilled his guts and not only implicated Mike, but named the other two participants. Mike's parents had hired a well known lawyer in an attempt to get him off, but when the DNA tests came back with all four of them identified and only Mike and Julie's fingerprints found on the drugged drink glass, Mike's plea was changed to guilty. 

Julie never had to testify and both she and her parents were greatly relieved at that. Since she, Mike and Arnie were all under eighteen, their names were never released; although the entire school knew who the main participants were. The other two were twenty and twenty two and they were charged, named and sentenced. They were given to two years in prison while Mike and Arnie should have received even more time for initiating the rapes, participating in the rapes, counseling others to participate in the rape of a minor, spiking Julies drink, possession of an illegal substance (Ecstasy), contributing to the delinquency of a minor and serving alcohol to a minor. If the police could have thought of any more charges, they would have placed them. Regrettably, the judge undid the good work of the RCMP and gave them two years less a day plus two years probation on release. Julie's mother and father were furious and said so to the media. It all came to nothing, however, when the Crown's appeal of the sentences was turned away. 

Corporal Mayne told Julie and her parents that the blood tests done on Julie indicated that she had little alcohol in her system but a potentially dangerous amount of the Date Rape Drug; Rohypnol. It was their good luck that she had very little of that drink and that the second glass of punch was still on the table in the Living Room where Julie had left it. The analysis and fingerprints on the sample were conclusive. Based on the fact that she had not felt much if any effect on the first drink, they concluded that the first drink must have contained a smaller amount of the drug. The policewoman told them that Julie was the first of five occurrences of a variety of these drugs and one instance had ended even more tragically with the death of a young woman. The Corporal was relieved that the Detachment had hired another rape specialist and perhaps a further one may be on the way. And that was that.

The damage to Julie was both physical and mental. She had been raped, both vaginally and anally. Both cavities were damaged with tears to the walls in the vagina and her rectal cavity. She spent almost two weeks in the hospital and her recovery at home was long and slow. The damage to her psyche was extensive as well. She was having nightmares and had been seeing a psychiatrist to try and come to terms with the aftermath of the crime. She attended group therapy sessions; talking with other girls and women who had also experienced rape. All of these helped to some degree, but it was her self esteem that was the slowest to recover. She alternately blamed herself and Mike for the rapes; her anger coming out at the most unexpected times. Frustrated with her slow recovery and her fits of depression and anger, her mother and father suggested she spend some time with her Aunt Eleanor in Toronto. In fact, it had been Eleanor's idea. She and Julie were close and Julie had always felt she could tell her Aunt things she couldn't tell her mother. They were more like good friends than relations. 

It turned out to be the right prescription. Eleanor Thompson, Evelyn's sister, was the perfect combination of sympathy, attentive listening, support and "get a grip on yourself" counseling. It was like being in therapy full time. In the six months since the rape had taken place, Julie had gained weight. She called it 'eating therapy', but in fact, it was a compulsion when she encountered any kind of stress. She had gone from being a pretty, reasonably slim young debutant to an overweight, unemployed, frumpy looking young woman with no sense of direction and no ambition to go anywhere. Eleanor put up with her 'act' for about a week and then let her have what she described as the "facts of life." She marched her into the bedroom and told her to get undressed and stand in front of the mirror. 

"Now," she said in a no-nonsense voice. "Tell me what you see!"

"What do you mean? It's me!" she said petulantly.

"Really!" she spat. "You used to be the beauty in this family, you know. You had it all and then something horrible happened to you. It wasn't your fault but you blame yourself. You're making a career out of it. Look at you now; fat, frumpy and no fun. You've got to snap out of it girl; you've got a whole life ahead of you and it won't be any fun if you weigh two hundred pounds, live in a trailer park and never find a guy! Eleanor was working up a full head of steam and Julie was beginning to show signs of tears. "Oh, snap out of it for Christ's sake Julie! Get a grip on yourself or so help me, I'll ship you off to ... to ... I don't know where; some trailer park." she bellowed angrily. They looked at each other and Eleanor began to laugh. It was contagious and Julie soon was first giggling and then laughing along with her. "I'm sorry, kid, I'm not unsympathetic, but we need to get you back in the groove again."

"We've got to get you repaired, girl." Eleanor continued emphatically. And ... you have got to lose some weight! I want you looking pretty again. You're bad for the family image like this." she said semi-seriously. Julie looked resigned to this new imperium. Eleanor was a no-nonsense woman; a completely different personality from her sister; Julie's mother. She was tall, slim and elegant at all times. Her hair had grayed, but her face was attractively youthful; almost unlined, with high cheekbones and pale blue eyes. Julie was not surprised that she would have a man in her life. The aftermath of the outburst settled the matter between them. From that point on, Julie would be taking orders and there wouldn't be any backtalk. It was the turning point for her. She stayed with her Aunt for almost a year and made dramatic progress.

Her third night in the apartment, she and Eleanor were sitting in the living room talking about their plans for the next few weeks. Eleanor had made an innocent comment about getting Julie in shape to go 'man-hunting' as she called it. 

"Oh, no!" Julie exclaimed. "I can't do that. I can't be with a man. Just the thought of it makes me shake." She looked genuinely fearful, Eleanor thought.

"What is it that makes you frightened?" Eleanor asked seriously.

"I couldn't have ... I mean ... just the thought of a man on top of me or inside me." she answered with a look of horror on her face. 

"You've got to get past this Julie. Not all men are mean, or cruel or hurtful. You can't judge them all by a couple of drugged-up punks. Making love with a special man is something to celebrate. It's a beautiful thing. Trust me." Eleanor said pleading.

"I couldn't, I just know I couldn't. I'd keep seeing those boys and it would ruin everything. I'll never have a man in that way; never in my life." she said forcefully.

"I hope you're wrong, Julie. I really do hope you're wrong." Eleanor said sadly. "You'll miss out on one of the most beautiful things two humans can share."

The conversation was ended but Eleanor knew she had a special project in the next weeks. She had to get Julie to accept that a relationship with a man; one special man, was possible for her. Until she could accept that, making any progress with the rest of her young life was going to be a very difficult, if not an impossible task. 

That Friday evening, they were watching a particularly graphic art movie on one of the cable channels late in the evening. Eleanor noticed that Julie, in her usual position on the couch; curled up at one end with her feet tucked under her, was squirming somewhat. On the screen, a young couple was simulating sexual intercourse and Julie appeared to be mesmerized by the scene. Her hands were tucked into her crotch and the older woman thought she might have seen Julie's hands pressing tightly against her pubic bone. She smiled inwardly; there's some life in the young lady still. Now, how to take advantage of what she had just learned? When the scene ended and a commercial came on, Eleanor couldn't resist:

"God, I wish I was that young again and could find myself a young, handsome stud like Jerome there!" she said in her most wistful voice.

"Aunt Eleanor, really!" Julie said in mock horror, and then giggled. "I thought you already had a boyfriend?" she taunted.

"I do dear, and he's wonderful. A very tender and thoughtful lover." she said absently.

"When do I get to meet this mystery man?" she asked innocently. 

"Tomorrow, as a matter of fact. I've invited him to dinner." she said smiling at Julie.

"Great. Now I can get all the gossip on what you two are up to." Julie said laughing. 

'You'll do no such thing, young lady. This one is mine. Go get your own guy!" she said semi-seriously. There was no protest from Julie this time. Another flicker of hope, thought Eleanor.

The next day, promptly at five, there was a soft knock at the door and Eleanor moved to greet her guest. She kissed Roger at the door and invited him in. Julie smiled and said hello as Eleanor introduced him. He was medium height; probably five nine and Eleanor, wearing heels, was an inch or so taller, Julie noted. Distinguished grey hair and reasonably trim, he was dressed casually in a short sleeve green golf shirt, pressed dark grey slacks and polished black loafers. He had a natural, ready smile and a smooth deep voice that immediately put people at ease. He was obviously the same age group as Aunt Eleanor; mid fifties or so. He was at ease in the apartment, moving smoothly to the kitchen to prepare a drink for Eleanor and himself. Julie already had an iced tea and was more interested in the body language of the two older lovers. It was easy to see what her Aunt saw in him; he was easy to like and in his own way, handsome. 

They engaged in small talk for a while, sitting in the living room. Roger appeared genuinely interested in Julie and what she might want to do in the future. He had a number of contacts and offered introductions and help where he could. Julie thanked him for his offer and said that when she was ready to decide on her future, she would certainly let him know of her plans. Eleanor moved quietly in and out of the room while she prepared the dinner. Just before six thirty she came in to announce that dinner was served and Julie and Roger rose and moved to the dining area. The meal was excellent and Eleanor was pleased to receive their compliments. They all seemed at ease and comfortable with each other and each joined in the conversation. The age difference between Julie and her elders wasn't apparent during the conversation . For her part, Julie was studying her Aunt and Roger, trying to see what behavior or signals would tell her they were lovers. She had not contemplated that men and women of her Aunt's age would have active sex lives. She realized at her tender age of eighteen, she had a lot to learn, but the movies and television didn't concentrate their efforts very often on the sex lives of mature people. She wondered about her parents and meant to ask her Aunt about them. Her parents obviously loved each other, but didn't have to make a big display of it. It was understood by those who knew them and Julie took a great deal of comfort from this. They way they handled the rape and its aftermath was nothing but supportive and loving and understanding. It took a great deal of pressure off Julie and she was grateful and happy for that gift from them. Aunt Eleanor was very different, but obviously wanted Julie to be happy and would help her in any way she could. She felt comfortable being here with her. There were no airs, or formality; just two women living in the same apartment. 

Just after ten, Julie excused herself and headed off to bed. Eleanor and Roger had been listening to music and just enjoying the pleasure of each other's company. The dinner had been a big success and Roger was pleased that Julie had been quite easy to talk to and had participated in the conversation. She was more mature than her years; more so that he expected. Perhaps the events of the past few months had forced that maturity upon her, but it still caught him by surprise. After she had left, Roger turned to Eleanor and said:

"I think she's going to be OK, Ellie."

"It's going to take a bit of work, but I'm hopeful Roger." she replied. 

"I hope I can help her find something that will give her a hand up." he said.

"I think the big hurdle for her is to accept the idea that she can fall in love with a man and have a normal love life; a normal relationship." she said thoughtfully.

"If you think about what has happened to her," Roger said, "it's no wonder he's scared. If anyone can help her, it's you Ellie. You have that great streak of common sense that takes over in stressful situations." he continued. "I wouldn't be surprised if you haven't got a plan up your sleeve already."

"Ah, Roger, you know me too well. I've got the germ of an idea, but I'll have to be patient. She's only been here a week. There's no rush." she said, smiling at him. "How about a brandy, love?"

"Heated in a snifter?" he replied.

"Please." Eleanor sighed, pushed her shoes off and curled her feet up underneath her on the couch. She was very content; happy that the evening had gone so well. "Little baby steps" she thought to herself. "We'll get the real Julie back somehow."



Quartet: Julie Ch. 02



Ch. 02 The Transformation

Just after two in the morning, Julie awoke, realizing she had to go to the bathroom. She got up, not bothering to put on her dressing gown, and padded toward the bathroom across the hall. She turned on the light and closed the door behind her. After flushing the toilet she washed her hands and looked at herself in the mirror. Her Aunt Eleanor was right; she needed to get herself back to her normal size. The image looking back at her was not pretty. She opened the door and turned out the light and was about to cross to her bedroom when she heard something. She stopped and her senses all went to alert. Was there a burglar in the apartment? Was the TV left on? As she stood frozen in the hall, she could hear sounds coming from the end of the hall. The master bedroom! She moved a few steps down the hall. The sounds were more audible now. She could hear voices; not the words, just sounds. She moved a little further down the hall toward the door to the main bedroom and listened intently. She noticed a faint light coming from under the door. "They were doing it with the light on!" she thought

A long, sustained moan came from behind the door; followed by what was certainly Aunt Eleanor's voice. Muffled as it was, she could only guess at the words, but they were uttered in gasps and interrupted by short grunts which could only be described as ones of pleasure. She heard another voice; deeper and obviously male. Roger! She was sure it was him. She couldn't make out the words of either of them, but she was sure of what they were doing. She crept further down the hall until she was just outside the door. She could hear the sounds of exertion and excitement and passion. There was occasional giggles and laughter from the two. They were talking to each other as they made love. Julie felt a strong surge pass through her. It was the same surge as she had felt when they were watching the movie last night. She leaned as closely as she dared to the door to listen. Now, more clearly, she could hear the sounds of their lovemaking. She could hear the little grunts and moans of satisfaction as they moved about in the bed. She thought she could hear a wet, sticky sound once or twice. 

Her Aunt seemed to be the talkative one and now she could hear the occasional word. "Oh ... yes Roger. ...Please!" she sounded as if she was begging him. Roger's voice was more muffled and she couldn't hear his actual words, but there was no mistaking his passion. "Ohhhh ... "her Aunt once again exclaimed. "Now, my love ... "Julie heard clearly. "Yesssss! ... Ahhhh! ... Yesssss!" as her voice raised and she could hear more distinctly. Julie began to be aroused as she listened to the erotic voices from behind the closed door. What were they doing? I wish I could see. "Awwwhhhhgggg! ..." came even more loudly from behind the door. And then, silence. 

She tried to imagine what had just taken place. Whatever, her Aunt and Roger had made love and her Aunt had truly expressed her approval. There was no mistaking the sounds of her orgasm; but Julie was stunned at the intensity. She could only imagine how it might have felt. And wonder she did. The noises had subsided from behind the door and Julie crept quietly back to her bedroom and silently closed the door behind her. She slipped back into bed and lay there wondering what if would be like to make love with a man. He hand slid slowly down to her panties and slipped inside them. This would have to do for now, she thought. She slipped her two fingers into the now moist slit and began to pleasure herself. In a short time, she brought herself to climax and withdrew her hand. She rolled on her side and within a minute or so, was fast asleep. She didn't hear Roger and her Aunt quietly walk down the hallway to the living room. She did not see their passionate embrace at his leaving. She didn't hear her Aunt return to her bedroom; nor see the smile of satisfaction on her face. Julie was fast asleep dreaming of watching others make love, but she couldn't seem to get into the picture. It was always someone else and not her. It was a dream that was to reoccur often in the next months.

Julie awoke on Saturday morning, looked at the clock radio and saw that it was after nine. She pushed herself upright and off the bed, put on her dressing gown, padded across the hall to the bathroom and went about her usual routine. Normally, her Aunt would have already been up, but understandably, the door to her bedroom was still closed. Julie remembered her discovery last night and smiled to herself. So Aunt Eleanor wasn't bragging; she really did have a full-time lover! She thought about just how she would let her Aunt know she had heard them last night. The memory of the sounds of their passion brought back that tingling feeling in her abdomen again. It was a strange feeling for this early in the day, she thought. 

She was sitting at the kitchen table when her Aunt's slippers could be heard flopping down the hallway toward her. She looked up and smiled at the older woman as she carefully sat in the chair across from her. She was wearing her usual red and black silk robe and without makeup and with tousled hair, she looked every one of her fifty six years.

"Late night?" Julie asked, smiling.

"Yes." was her Aunt's only answer.

"Would you like some orange juice or some coffee?" Julie continued.

"Yes to both." she replied sleepily. "Thank you dear."

Julie poured the juice and passed it to the drowsy woman, then took a mug from the cupboard and poured the steaming black coffee into it; placing it in front of Eleanor.

"Hmmmm." Eleanor sniffed appreciatively at the coffee. "Fresh brain cells. Just what I need." she said with a wrinkled smile to Julie.

Julie offered no comment and waited for Eleanor to have a couple of gulps of coffee before speaking.

"You two must have had a lot to talk about last night." Julie said conversationally.

"Yup!" was Eleanor's singular reply. 

No progress here, Julie thought. Just be patient and see what happens.

"I slept very well." Julie volunteered. "I just had to get up to go to the bathroom about two o'clock, but otherwise I was out like a light. I guess I've gotten over the time change." She wondered if she had been too impatient, but her Aunt didn't seem to react to the comment.

"So tell me Julie," Eleanor said at last, looking right at her. "What did you hear?"

"Hear?" she said surprised. "What do you mean?"

The jig was up. Her Aunt's knowing smile and raised eyebrow told Julie that she didn't believe her innocent act.

"I heard some ... sounds, I guess." she said haltingly.

"I'll bet you did." her Aunt shot back with her eyebrow threatening to take a permanent arch.

Julie flushed; her face felt like it was burning. She couldn't think of anything to say. Aunt Eleanor recognized her flustered state and put a soothing hand on hers and squeezed gently.

"Don't be embarrassed, Julie." she said kindly. "I'm not. Roger and I love each other very much and we celebrate each time we are together." she continued: "I'm no spring chicken and neither is he. We don't intend to waste any time playing silly games. I hope you won't think badly of me for that." 

"No, no ... of course not." Julie said hurriedly. "I'm just not used to ... I mean ... I haven't ..." 

"You have never heard your parents making love?" Eleanor asked curiously.

"No, I don't think so. Do you think they still ... you know ... do it?" Julie asked, wide eyed.

Eleanor laughed aloud; a genuine deep laugh. She stopped and looked at Julie with her soft grey eyes and a knowing smile.

"I happen to know your mother and father are still very much in love. I know that they make love regularly and I know this because your mother has told me so." she said matter-of-factly. 

"Just because we're 'old folks' doesn't mean we don't have desires and needs. One of the strongest needs is the need to be loved and one of the most important ways to show that love is through sex. And I have to tell you Julie; all these years later, it's still the most wonderful feeling in the world: loving and being loved." she finished, still smiling.

"I guess I have all that to look forward to." the young girl said thoughtfully.

"Yes, and there's no rush, either. You're very young yet. You might have lost your virginity, but don't lose your self respect. Especially, don't lose your self respect!" her Aunt said emphatically. "When you decide to give yourself to someone, make sure he's the right one and make sure it's for the right reasons. Take it from this old broad; I've made lots of mistakes in my time. One of them was my first husband. I was too young, too eager to please and too anxious to be 'one of the girls' and I ended up with guy who was completely wrong for me; just like my parents; your grandparents, had told me." Eleanor was speaking with measured calm and made sure Julie understood her seriousness. "You're smarter than me, Julie. Be very careful around men and be very sure of yourself when you decide. When you find the right guy, you'll know. Maybe not right away, but you will know in your heart." she concluded.

"Thanks, Aunt Eleanor." Julie said quietly. "I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but once I heard, I couldn't seem to walk away. It was like watching that movie the other night." she continued. "Once I started, I could take my eyes off it."

"Well, you don't have the benefit of experience, dear." Eleanor said. "But I have to admit, when those sex scenes are done tastefully, they can be very ... arousing. When I was watching that scene I was thinking of Roger." she confided. 

"Do you have dreams about ... I mean ... Roger?" she asked innocently.

"Yes, of course. I think everyone has dreams." she continued thoughtfully. "Some are good dreams and some not so pleasant. It happens to everyone, according to Freud." 

"I have dreams, but they're not very nice ones. Sometimes I dream I'm being smothered and I can't breath and I can't move." she said, sadly. "Sometimes it's like I'm a spectator; and I can only watch. I don't have those dreams as much as I used to, but I still wake up some nights sweating and shaking. They seem so real." 

"I'm sure they do, dear." Eleanor said, sympathetically. "Maybe the good sign is that you aren't having them so often." she concluded hopefully.

"I'd like to have dreams like you do; ... you know, about a loving man; ... happy dreams." Julie said wistfully.

"I know you will, Julie. It just takes time." Eleanor said confidently.

"Now, young lady, we have a busy Saturday ahead of us." the older woman said brightly. "First, we are going to my fitness centre and you can have a look. I highly recommend it to you. You can get a good, supervised, daily exercise program that will get you back in trim in no time. However, it's your decision. Then, we need to get you looking better and I've made an appointment at my salon to get your hair done and nails and a facial; the whole works. It, however, is not optional!" she said bluntly. "Then, we are going shopping for some clothes and make sure you look good for your job interviews." Eleanor's tone of voice left nothing for debate.

"Job interviews?" Julie asked.

"Yes," the older woman said. "You don't think I'm going to let you loll around the apartment all day long and do nothing constructive with your time, do you?" she said rhetorically. "You've got two choices; a job or back to school. I've got it from good authority; your mother; that you were going to look for a job after graduation, so that makes the choice simpler." she finished. "Understood?"

"Yes, OK." The young girl replied, contritely. 

Her Aunt had already taken a role in Julie's new life. She was a no-nonsense woman and while she loved Julie dearly, she was not going to sit by and watch her waste her youth, her health or her future. If Julie wouldn't or couldn't get control, then she would.

"Good. We don't have a lot of time this afternoon. I've got a date with Roger for a play and a late supper." she said. "Don't worry, I'll be staying at his place tonight, so you won't have any 'noises' to disturb you." she continued with a wry smile. "I'll leave you something for dinner, OK?" 

"Fine, Aunt Eleanor." Julie said smiling. "I am fully microwave trained." she grinned. "Maybe there'll be another one of 'those movies' on tonight." 

"Oh, Oh!" Eleanor said in mock seriousness. "I may have created a monster." Then she smiled and reached over the table to hold Julie's hands in hers. "You're going to be OK, kiddo, I know it." she said in quiet seriousness. "You're going to be OK."

The rest of the morning was a rush to the shower, get dressed and head out the door. First stop was the Avenue2 Fitness Club, just a two block walk from her Aunt's apartment building. Julie was impressed with the size and modern features in the club. She had a mental picture of a dark, dingy room with a low ceiling and dirty walls. This was anything but. It was brightly lit with large windows looking out onto the busy street. The ceilings were at least fifteen feet and it was obviously air conditioned. Eleanor introduced her to Janet Denofrio, the head of women's classes. Julie thought it would be impossible to have a body like Janet's, but she knew she wanted to look better than she did today and she happily agreed to enroll in the early morning group, starting next Monday as early as 6 a.m. Janet said she would be in with mostly business women who came before heading off to work. 

Then, it was onward to Antoinette's Salon. Eleanor introduced her niece to Helena, who would be in charge of the make-over.

"I'm off to get a few things for myself, Julie." Eleanor said. "I'll be back before you're finished. See you then." With that, she turned and strode out the door.

True to her word, she was back in two hours and took a seat in the waiting area; reading a magazine she had bought in her brief shopping soirée. She had a pair of boutique bags with her which Julie saw out of the corner of her eye. 

Julie had been pampered and preened and gooped and squished and painted and lathered and rinsed and everything she could image. She was anxious to see the results and wondered when this ritual would end. A half hour later, she got her answer. Helena raised her chair to upright and turned her toward the full length mirror. Julie gasped. It took her a few seconds to realize that the image in the mirror was her. Her hair was shorter and curled broadly. Her face and eyes were beautifully made up, and yet not with obvious makeup. Julie had been lucky to have flawless skin; she had escaped the ravages of acne and her complexion, even when neglected as it had been in the past few months, was still clean and clear. Julie continued looking in the mirror, trying to imagine what she would look like when her body was back to where she wanted it to be. She hadn't said a word in the time since Helena had turned her to the mirror.

"You like?" Helena asked hopefully.

"Oh, yes! It's wonderful! I didn't think I could look like this again. It's wonderful!" she repeated. "Thank you so much!" she gushed. 

Eleanor moved in behind Julie and smiled at the happiness on the young girl's face reflecting back in the mirror. "This may have been expensive, but it was worth every dime." she thought proudly. She looked wonderful.

"You look beautiful again, Julie dear." she said, tears forming in the corners of her eyes.

"Oh, Aunt Eleanor, how can I thank you? It's wonderful. I feel so good. I want to walk down the street and show everyone!" she laughed.

Eleanor turned away, hoping Julie couldn't see the tears and then thought: "Oh the hell with it!" She wrapped her arms around the chair and the young woman and hugged her tightly. "I'm so happy for you, Julie." she whispered, tears rolling down her cheeks.

Her Aunt paid the woman at the front desk and hand in hand, they walked out onto the busy downtown street. Julie held her head high and for the first time since her arrival ten days earlier, Eleanor could see happiness in her eyes. "Yes, it was worth every dime!" she repeated to herself.

They stopped at a small deli for a light lunch. Julie's curiosity got the better of her.

"What did you buy?" she asked.

"Oh, a couple of personal items." she answered cryptically. She was not going to display her purchases to Julie, but then relented by opening the bags and letting her peek in. 

Julie gasped and then giggled. Inside one bag was a very sheer, very brief nightgown in black with silver lace trim. In side the other was a very stylish grey and dark red dress which Eleanor took out of the bag and held up for Julie to see. It was very elegant, with a plunging neckline and a skirt length that looked barely long enough to reach her knees. 

"Oh, it's lovely, Aunt Eleanor." Julie said sincerely. "Is that for tonight?" she asked.

"Yes, in fact, both of them are." she smiled slyly.

"Ohhhh ... there's going to be some noises in the bedroom tonight, ha ha!" she said merrily.

"Down, girl!" the older woman commanded. "Let's get going. We have lots to do yet." 

They were on their way again before two o'clock. Eleanor took Julie to a well known women's wear shop and few blocks uptown. They walked in the fresh, late fall air. People passed them on the sidewalk and streetcars clanged and rolled their way past in both directions. Julie was feeling better than she had felt for months. The world of the possible had returned. 

Eleanor was in charge of Julie's new wardrobe. She deliberately chose items she was sure could be taken in later if and when Julie lost the extra pounds she was carrying. It had been a long time since she had purchased clothes for a young woman; probably twenty five years she thought. But with Julie's new make-over and Eleanor's good taste, they came away with a couple of stylish, but not too conservative outfits. They moved on uptown to another of Eleanor's favorite stores and picked up another outfit, some accessories including a couple of hand bags and then back onto the street. They were working their way further uptown and the last stop was a shoe store. Julie tried on a couple of simple leather low-heeled dress shoes which felt reasonably comfortable. She had spent most of her life wearing either sneakers or sandals and the confines of dress shoes were reserved for dances and special occasions. When they had finished, Eleanor pulled a cell phone from her handbag and speed dialed the number of a cab company. She told them who and where she was and within five minutes, a cab pulled up to the curb in front of them.

"Where to, Ms. Thompson?" the driver asked.

"Home please, Manny." she replied as they entered the cab.

"They know you?" Julie asked wonderingly. 

"Yes, I use this company all the time. I don't need a car in the city, so it makes sense." she continued. "I walk whenever I can, but I have a big night ahead of me, so I have to save my strength." she said with a conspiratorial smile. 

"Right!" exclaimed Julie. "Save your strength!" she giggled.

"I just thought of something, dear. Manny!" she called to the driver.

"Yes mam?"

"Would you please drop us off at the Bell shop near the apartment. I think it's about a block on the other side."

"Yes, mam!" he replied.

They were only a few minutes getting to the Bell Mobility shop and got out on the sidewalk directly in front of the store.

"I think you should have a cell phone. As long as you promise not to phone Egypt or Brazil or some such place, I'll look after the costs until you've got a job." she stated. This wasn't up for debate either. They entered the store and a clerk was with them immediately. Eleanor explained what she wanted and they quickly selected a modern, lightweight phone with most of the necessary features. They decided on a plan which gave Julie unlimited minutes after six in the evening, local time and well as anytime on the weekends. It also had some minutes for long distance and that would allow her to call her parents regularly.




Quartet: Julie Ch. 02



"There, Julie," Eleanor said triumphantly. "I think that almost does it."

"Wow, Aunt Eleanor." Julie exclaimed in wonder. "What else could there possibly be?"

"A spare key to the apartment." she said. "There's a little kiosk just around the corner, so we can get that done now and we're finished for the day."

"Oh, Aunt Eleanor, how can I ever thank you." the young woman gushed. "You've been so kind and generous. I don't know how I could ever repay you." 

"You can repay me by getting back to being that lovely young niece I had a few months ago. I never had any children of my own, Julie. You're like a daughter to me and I want to help you in any way I can. I also want you to help yourself. I think you've gotten off to a great start here. Now, if we can find you something useful to do during the daytime, you'll officially be off the endangered species list." she exclaimed as they walked back to her apartment building.

Julie was tired from all the walking they had done that day. She wondered how her Aunt could still be fresh and ready to go out for the evening, much less have the energy for what would come later. The fitness club must be the answer, she thought.

Eleanor had her shower and carefully applied her makeup. About six o'clock she walked into the living room in her new outfit. She looked stunning and Julie said so. She had an unerring eye for what looked good on her. Her colors, on paper, were dull; black, grey, red and silver. But the effect on her was pure elegance. No wonder she had captured Roger's heart. What man could resist her? 

"Are you going to model the other thing you bought today?" Julie asked impertinently.

"Not for you, young lady." she replied with the now familiar arched eyebrow. "Private viewings only." 

"It's going to be a noisy night tonight on the fourteenth floor!" Julie laughed.

"You are getting a little too cheeky, young lady!" Eleanor said a faux stern voice. "Just watch yourself, now." 

"OK, sorry." Julie said contritely. "I guess I'm getting a bit personal, eh?"

"Just a bit." Eleanor replied. Secretly, she was delighted with the changes in Julie in a few short days. She was happier now and she wasn't afraid of quite personal conversations between them. The suggestive movie and their friendly banter had been the evidence that she was recovering her sexuality a little more each day. "A step at a time; no need to be in a rush." Eleanor thought. 

-0-

It was almost eight months later that Eleanor realized the changes that Julie had undergone.

"Julie," Eleanor announced one morning at the breakfast table. "You have made great progress since you've been here and I'm proud of you. You have lost most of the excess pounds you needed to lose and you look a thousand percent better. You've got a job and you're attitude is much better too. Now it's time to decide what to do next." 

Eleanor had been thinking about this for a while. She was pretty sure Julie could manage now. Over the past year, most of the ghosts and demons had been let loose and slain, one by one. From a dispirited, bedraggled, overweight young woman she picked up one November day at the airport; she had become another person entirely. She had taken to the fitness club with a vengeance. She began with stationary running, then abdominal lifts, then on to weights. She had a new physique that was entirely different than the young high school girl of seventeen. She hadn't lost her femininity, but she displayed more mature, developed body. She presented herself with much more confidence and self-awareness. She had gone through two potential 'boyfriends' that her Aunt knew about; wearing both of them out with her single mindedness and sense of purpose. She had no time for unfocussed young men. Eleanor had begun to wonder if she wasn't over-compensating. Her attitude was positive and she hadn't lost her sense of humour or her sense of mischief, so perhaps her concerns were unnecessary. She had a job as a supervisor at a local restaurant chain. Not bad considering she started as a waitress. She would like to have taken credit for the changes, but she was unsure just what the catalyst for this transformation was. 

Julie, herself, wasn't sure what had turned her on to a new life-style. Probably her Aunt, she thought. She was truly enjoying herself with Aunt Eleanor as her 'roommate', mentor and authority figure. Her discovery that her Aunt had an active sex life and a bawdy sense of humour took a great deal of pressure off the young girl. It humanized her. Julie began to realize that she wanted to be like her Aunt. She wanted to be a person of style, elegance and self-confidence. All she needed in addition to that was a wealthy late husband to leave a multi-million dollar fortune to her to make it all happen. Her Aunt had told her about her disastrous first marriage as a cautionary tale; a lesson to be learned; a model never to be followed. Her second marriage was, however, the antithesis of the first. 

Robert Thompson was a big, bull-of-the-woods type man who, along with his brother, had built a successful bridge construction company from virtually nothing; selling it to a large, international competitor for many millions of dollars. It was his plan to take his bride, Eleanor, on a world tour, everything first class! They had met in Calgary several years earlier and it was a case of love-at-first-sight. They were polar opposites; he was the rough, unpolished giant and she was the elegant, worldly business woman. His giant frame and rough background belied his gentle nature and his unquenchable hunger for Eleanor. She succumbed willingly to his persistent advances and they were married less than three months after they were introduced. He loved her with a passion he never knew he possessed. She loved him equally; mystified when she thought of how little they might have in common. She was deliriously happy for the eleven years they were married. He had not planned to retire, but when the offer from the New York based corporation was placed before his brother and him, they signed. Eleanor now had her husband all to herself and they meticulously planned their celebratory around-the-world trip. Fate intervened when Robert fell ill just before the trip was to begin and was ultimately diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. He was gone in three months. Eleanor was devastated. When the will passed probate and she was secure financially for the rest of her life, she packed a few personal items, sold the house in Calgary and moved to Toronto. That was seven years ago. 

Julie envied her Aunt's personal life. She had been married to a man she truly loved and who loved her equally. When he died, she had ultimately found another man; different in every respect except one: Roger loved Eleanor as truly and deeply as Robert had. Eleanor had confided to Julie that Roger had asked her to marry him several times and she had put him off. It wasn't that she was unsure of her love for Roger, but she had developed an irrational fear that her marriages were cursed or jinxed in some way. It was a singular phobia that Eleanor could not explain, but could not shake off. For now, the relationship would remain as lovers, not man and wife. 

As Julie's new life began to take shape, she found a job in a nearby coffee shop/restaurant as a waitress. The pay was low, but the hours meshed with her personal life. She was able to go to the Fitness Centre first thing in the morning and head back to the apartment for a shower and breakfast. He shift began at eleven a.m. and run through the balance of the work day until the place closed at seven p.m. She found it an easy to learn job and since most of the customers were local business people, their tips were reasonable, the customers generally polite and well dressed and finally, there was little stress. She mastered the new job in a matter of days and enjoyed the fact that she had the evenings free for herself. As her fitness program developed and her body began to return to a more attractive form, she was surprised to find a few of the 'restaurant regulars' were complementing her on her appearance and even occasionally asking her out. At first, these requests frightened her. After some conversations with Aunt Eleanor, she began to realize they were complements and not threats. Her nightmares had subsided dramatically with time and she began to think fleetingly about dating. She was envious of the relationship that Roger and Aunt Eleanor displayed. They refused to hide their passion for each other and on more than one occasion, Julie had revisited her hallway eavesdropping in the middle of the night. 

Three months after her arrival in Toronto, Julie accepted the offer of a date from a young man who had been frequenting the restaurant since she had been there. She knew he was a junior accountant at some large firm and he was invariably polite and friendly toward her. His name was Warren Phillips and he was three years older than her. He had a college degree in Business Administration and was just starting out on his chosen career on Bay Street. He had asked Julie a couple of times already and she had declined; offering excuses at the time. She talked to her Aunt Eleanor and, in typical fashion, didn't tell her what to do, but had her review each of the plus and minus factors before making a decision. They both came to the conclusion that it wasn't a risky proposition since he was inviting her to a play at one of the downtown theatres. Julie knew she would see him the next lunch hour and lay awake in bed wondering how to tell him discretely that she would go to the theatre with him. The next day, she was nervous and luckily, didn't have to wait long before Warren arrived at the lunch counter. She waited until there wasn't anyone within earshot and told him she had changed her mind and would like to go with him to the theatre. 

Warren went red, then white and began to stammer. 

"Uh, Julie, uh, er ... I uh, asked someone else and they, uh, kind of ... said yes." he stammered. "I'm sorry Julie; I'd still like to take you out and everything. Maybe next time?" he concluded hopefully.

"Oh, that's OK Warren. I understand. Yah, maybe next time." she said as carefully as she could. She realized she was disappointed and had looked forward to the date after all. She hoped there would be a next time. When she told her Aunt that evening; Eleanor laughed and said:

"Well there you go. You have to be quick these days, girl. Better luck next time!" 

There never was a next time with Warren. He didn't come to the restaurant for lunch after that day. Julie wondered if he had fallen for the girl who he had invited to the theatre. She learned from some of his fellow accounting juniors that he had been transferred to a branch office in Guelph. Julie suggested that it must have been a sudden transfer, but no, the other juniors said he had known about the transfer for a couple of months. Julie felt depressed. Luckily, a few days later, another of the juniors asked her out and she accepted right away. They were to go to a concert on Saturday night. Her date, a young man named Brian, arranged to meet her in front of her apartment building at seven thirty and catch the subway to the concert location. Dress was casual, which was fine with Julie. She didn't really have much in the way of party clothes. Brian met her at the agreed time and walked with her to the subway station nearby. The concert was noisy and the music wasn't really the kind that Julie enjoyed, but she was happy to be out with someone he own age for a change. Brian was clearly into the music and was clapping and yelling out the lyrics, such as they were, with each offering. After the first half of the concert, the break finally restored some of Julie's hearing. Brian reached into his pocket and produced a handkerchief. He opened it to reveal several small yellow pills.

"Try this and you'll really get in the groove, girl." he shouted.

"No, no thanks." Julie replied, wide eyed. 

Memories of that night of the grad house party flooded back and she panicked. Brian looked away and then back and she was gone. She ran as fast as she could for the door and out into the cold January night air. She stopped and looked back to see if Brian was following her and then began walking rapidly toward the subway station. She had to escape. She paced the subway platform for what seemed like an eternity before the next train arrived. It wasn't until she was on the almost empty train and it was moving away from the station that she began to feel safe. She realized she had been hyperventilating. She willed herself to calm down. By the time she arrived at the station near her Aunt's apartment building, her panic has subsided. She unlocked the door to the apartment and closed it quickly behind her. Eleanor was out, as she almost always was on Friday and Saturday. She was close to tears and angry that her first date ended so badly. She flung off her coat and scarf and went to her bedroom and threw herself on the bed. She was angry and frightened and frustrated. She wanted someone, her Aunt, her Mother, anyone to talk to. She picked up her cell phone and dialed her parents' number. It rang five times before she gave up. Slowly, she undressed, went across the hall to the bathroom and within a few minutes, was lying in her bed. She couldn't sleep; the events of the evening had put a hold on that idea. After lying in bed for almost an hour, she got up and went into the living room and turned on the T.V. She surfed the dial looking for something worthwhile when she found another of the explicit movies that only played on weekend late night cable channels. She became fascinated with the sexual scenes that were played out before her. She put her head back on the cushions at the end of the sofa and within minutes, was fast asleep.

She awoke early Sunday morning with the sound of a key in the apartment door lock. Her Aunt walked in and was surprised to see Julie on the sofa. 

"Have you been there all night, Julie?" she asked. 

"I guess so; what time is it?" she asked groggily.

"Five to eight. How was your date?" she asked brightly.

"Oh, Aunt Eleanor, it was a nightmare." she moaned. "He had drugs. I ran away from him."

"Oh brother! Julie, I'm so sorry." she sympathized. "You deserve better than this."



Quartet: Julie Ch. 03



A month after her unhappy experience at the concert, Julie had come to a decision about her future.

"I think I want to go home again, Aunt Eleanor. I can get a job at the same restaurant chain there; I've already checked it out. I'm considered qualified, experienced and a valuable employee. How's that for frumpy, dumpy and lumpy." she laughed. Eleanor hugged her and tears came to her eyes. 

"You're ready girl." she said softly. "You go and be happy!"

So here she was, home again, with a good job only blocks from her parent's home. Within weeks of her return, she was made a shift manager and worked only afternoons; four to midnight, Tuesday to Saturday. She had met some new friends at work and at the gym where she was now working out regularly. One of her friends, Randeen or Randi as she preferred, worked the afternoon shifts with her and they went to the gym together; usually just before lunch. Randi was East Indian; or Indo-Canadian to the politically correct. Julie had never had a friend from a different culture and they spent a lot of time comparing notes about their teenage years, boys and parents. They had nothing in common in their backgrounds but they got along famously. Julie did not tell Randi her grad party horror story. 

Randi had a secret boyfriend; a young man from South Vancouver. She said they were in love, but she was very afraid her parents would find out about him. She had been promised to another man by her parents and the wedding would be in the next year. Randi was determined that she would marry for love and not some promise she had no part in. It was an ancient tradition from their native India which applied just as strongly here in Canada. Julie could not understand how it could happen. She would never stand for her parents arranging her marriage. She worried for Randi when she told Julie what might happen to her if she defied her parents. Worse yet, what might happen to Randi or her boyfriend if she dared to reveal her love for another man. Murders had been known to occur when daughters refused to obey their parents. Julie shivered when she heard that. 

It was about the third month after Julie's return that she met Robbie. He came into the restaurant just after nine one night and sat at the counter. Julie walked over and asked. "Would you like a menu, sir?"

"No thanks miss. I'll have a piece of apple pie, a scoop of Ice cream and a tea, please." he said pleasantly, looking at her name tag and smiling at her. 

"My name's Robbie and I see your's is Julie." he continued. "I'll probably be coming in here regularly at this time." he smiled.

"Oh brother!" Julie thought. "Here comes the hustle." She looked at him and sized him up. He was small, very small; maybe five foot two. He was Latino, she thought, neatly dressed in a clean t-shirt. She couldn't see his pants or shoes, so she concentrated on what she could see. His hair was jet black, thick but short and trimmed very neatly. He had a thin black mustache, but was otherwise clean-shaven. His shoulders and upper torso looked very muscular. He was obviously very fit. His teeth were perfect, she noticed; white and even and his smile was genuine. Mr. Tiny Perfect she thought, amused. 

"Have I seen you at the gym over on Lonsdale; maybe on the weekends?" he asked. 

"Maybe." she said in a non-committal tone.

"The reason I asked is because I remember seeing your co-worker Randi there. I thought that might have been you I saw with her." he continued

"We go there together, so you could have seen me there." she agreed. She had busied herself with organizing the credit card receipts under the cash register and wasn't really looking at him. 

Robbie finished his pie and drank the last of his tea. He looked at the bill, pulled out a five dollar bill and said; "Keep the change, Julie. See you tomorrow." He turned and walked out the door into the night.

Julie watched him go with a smile on her face. "Now that was different!" she thought. "He forgot to make a pass at me. Besides, I'm too big for him." she laughed and turned back to her work.

He was as good as his word. The next night he was there at nine, this time ordering the cherry pie with ice cream and his tea. He reintroduced himself and told her that he was going to B.C.I.T. night school to learn construction. Once more, he finished, paid with a five dollar bill and with a cheery goodbye, turned a left. After a few days, she began to anticipate his arrival. He was invariably cheerful, polite and neatly dressed. He was trim and athletic but a three quarter size man. If he was a bit bigger, she thought, I could go for him. She dismissed the idea and went back to work. 

It was after about three weeks that he asked her out. He arrived at his usual nine oh five; the walking time from the night school to the restaurant being five minutes. Robbie strolled in with his usual big smile and said; "Hi Julie. How are you today?"

"Fine, Robbie. Which flavor of the usual would you like tonight?" she asked amiably.

"You choose, Julie. I trust your judgment." he grinned back.

"How does pumpkin sound?" she said.

"Pumpkin will be great, thanks." He stopped for a minute and then; "Julie, if I asked you out on a date, would you say yes?"

"I don't know Robbie. I don't usually date ... I mean ... you're a customer. I'm not sure I'm supposed to date the customers." she stammered.

"Does that mean if I wasn't a customer, you'd say yes?" he asked seriously.

Julie was stuck for an answer. She looked at him and then down at her hands and said; "I guess so."

"Great!" he exclaimed. "I'll quit coming and you and I can go on a date; say next Saturday night?" he pleaded hopefully.

"No," she said quickly. "I mean, I work on Saturday. Sunday and Monday are my days off."

"Oh, OK." He stopped for a minute and was clearly thinking about her answer. "Let me give it some thought, Julie. I'll see what I can come with; OK?" again with the hopeful look.

"OK, Robbie." she said uncertainly. "See you tomorrow then?" she said a bit flustered.

"Well, I was hoping to have that Pumpkin pie and my tea first." he teased.

Julie gasped and hustled back to the pie shelf and pulled out a fresh slice of Pumpkin, added a scoop of Vanilla ice cream, picked up a fork and napkin and hurried back to his place. She really was caught off guard by his request and she was aware that there was something exciting about being asked out on a date again. She picked up the small porcelain tea pot and filled it with hot water. She brought the caddy with the variety of tea bags on display and placed it in front of him as she had for the past three weeks. He was already enjoying his pie and ice cream and looked up at her and smiled when she placed the tea pot and caddy in front of him. 

"Anything else, Robbie?" she asked from habit. 

"Uh, how about a mug." he laughed.

"Oh, jeez Robbie, I'm sorry." she said, embarrassed. She was acting like a scatter-brain. 'What was this all about?' she wondered. 

"That's OK, Julie. I probably caught you by surprise. I'm sorry if I embarrassed you. I didn't mean to do that." he said apologetically.

"No, No, Robbie, don't apologize!" she quickly protested. "Look, I'd be happy to go out with you. It's just that I'm only off on Sunday and Monday." she explained.

"Well then, it's up to me to find something for us to do together on Sunday then." he said brightly. "I'll let you know what I come up with, OK?"

"Yah, OK Robbie. That's fine." she said uncertainly. 

"Good, Julie. I'll see you tomorrow then." he laid down the bill, saluted, turned and left.

Julie watched him go and wondered just what had happen in the last fifteen minutes. She wasn't sure, but it sounded like she had agreed to go on a date with him. How did that happen, she wondered? Randi walked up beside her and smiled.

"He's a nice guy, Julie. I don't think you have to worry about him." she offered. 

"Yah, I guess." she said, a little bewildered.

She didn't see Robbie again until Tuesday night when promptly at nine oh five, he bounced into the restaurant. 

"Hi Julie!" said in an even more ebullient mood that usual. 

Julie noticed and asked. "What's got you all wound up tonight?"

"Julie, I have scored two tickets to the Jason McBride concert on Sunday night and I am formally asking you if you would care to accompany me."

"Wow!" Julie exclaimed. "Jason McBride is awesome! "Gee, Robbie, how can I say no? They must have cost you a fortune." she offered.

"Then you'll come with me?" he said with a huge smile.

"Yes, Robbie, I'll come with you." she smiled back at him. After all, how could she say no? 

"Julie, it's at the Bowl in the Park; outdoors you know. We'll probably need warm clothes for the evening. Are you OK with that?" he asked expectantly.

"That's OK. It's more romantic that way." she put her hand to her mouth when she realized what she had said. "I mean ... well, I'm sure we'll enjoy it." 

When Robbie had finished his pie and tea, he paid the bill and left with the usual 'see you tomorrow' parting. Julie watched him go and felt an excitement she hadn't felt in a long time. Now that she had agreed to go on the date with him, she felt good. She couldn't wait for Sunday. Robbie had asked her for her phone number and address so that he could contact her if necessary. Otherwise, he would pick her up at seven for the eight o'clock concert. He hadn't said anything more the following days and by Saturday, she was wondering if their date was still on. Uncharacteristically, he came into the restaurant a little after eight thirty. 

"Hi Robbie," Julie said surprised. "What are you doing here on Saturday night?" she asked.

"Nothin' to do, Julie." he said resignedly. "I'm countin' the hours 'til tomorrow night." he said seriously. 

"You're really looking forward to his, aren't you? I'm flattered."

"Julie, I've been trying to work up the courage to ask you out since the first night I met you." he said wistfully.

"Robbie, that's nice. I think we'll have a great time tomorrow, don't you." she stated.

He looked at her with his chin in his hands. "It'll be the greatest." he said simply.

They chatted about Jason McBride and outdoor concerts and many other things as Julie continued serving counter customers and taking charge of the till. She looked up at one point and noticed that it was ten thirty. They might as well have been dating tonight, she thought. In fact, he stayed until closing, offering to walk her home. They walked side by side, slowly, so that the moment wouldn't end too quickly. He walked her to her door and held her hand briefly, reminding her he would pick her up promptly at seven tomorrow. She smiled at him and said goodnight, turned, opened her door, turned back when she was inside and smiled again; closing the door. Robbie stood there for a moment, smiling to himself with pleasure and then walked slowly down her walkway to the sidewalk and then down the street toward his apartment. He didn't know that Julie was watching him and smiling too.

-0-

Promptly at seven on Sunday evening, Robbie arrived at Julie's door. She was ready and met him at the door with a quick 'hello'. It was a typical fall day in the Pacific Northwest; cool and mostly clear. The temperature would drop within a few degrees of freezing tonight and Robbie had brought a thick blanket for them along with two cushions. He also had a small gift for Julie; a single carnation as a corsage. He pinned it on her coat in the doorway and they were off to the sea-bus dock on their way to the concert. Julie was impressed with his thoughtfulness and felt this was going to be a much better experience than her last concert outing in Toronto. 

They caught the bus to Stanley Park and arrived at the 'Bowl' ten minutes before the show was to start. They were lucky to find some seating within twenty meters of the stage and their view was from a hillock and it wouldn't be obstructed as much; even when the crowd stood up. In typical fashion, the concert started late with a mediocre warm-up band to get the proceedings underway. The crowd didn't have much patience with the group and let them know they were here only for Jason. Finally, after a half hour of the warm-up band, there was an intermission and then the main even. Within a few seconds of their appearance on the stage the noise was deafening. Julie had never heard such yelling and screaming; even at the ill-fated North Toronto concert. It looked and sounded like one of the old Elvis live concerts from the sixties. It was almost impossible to hear the music over the crowd noise, but no one seemed to care. Julie had her hands over her ears and a wide-eyed look on her face as she turned to Robbie. He seemed to be taking it all in stride, although when he tried to say something to Julie, she just shook her head indicating she could hear nothing. 

An hour later, it was over. Julie's ears were ringing from the constant barrage of sound. After a while, she had begun to be able to hear some of the music, but there was no continuity to the performance and she was more fascinated by watching the interaction of the band and the crowd. Robbie smiled at her as he gathered up the cushions and blanket and they walked toward the bus stop. It was jammed with people and there would be some wait before they would be able to get on.

"Why don't we walk back, at least part-way?" Robbie suggested.

"Sure." she agreed.

"Did you have a good time?" he asked tentatively.

"Yes, thanks, Robbie. I couldn't hear much, but it was fun to see the live performance and the crowd was a hoot!" she laughed.

"Yah, you don't go to these concerts for the music; you go for the show." he offered.

"My aunt took me to a concert in the Royal somethin' or other theatre one time." she recalled. "I thought I was at a funeral it was so quiet."

Robbie reached over and took Julie's hand as they walked along the sidewalk toward the docks. Julie looked down at their hands and up at Robbie and smiled. She felt comfortable with Robbie; he was easy to talk to; perhaps because she had known him for a while. 

"Look, there's a café on the corner. Would you like a coffee or something?" Robbie asked.

"Sure!" she said easily.

They sat with Julie's coffee and Robbie's tea and shared a cinnamon bun. "Thanks for inviting me tonight. I had a great time." she smiled.

"Me too! I got to sit next to a beautiful girl for over two hours!" he grinned.

Julie blushed and took another sip of her coffee. "You're a real gentleman, you know."

"I need to be on my best behavior if I want a chance at a second date." he said seriously.

"Well, I'd say you earned another date." she smiled. "But you don't have to do anything fancy like tonight, you know. Those tickets were really expensive."

"You're worth it." he said simply.

Julie blushed again. She was not immune to flattery and Robbie offered it so sincerely. "When do you finish night school?" she asked, changing the subject.

"Just before Christmas. Then I have to find someone to let me apprentice with them." he replied. "I know who I want to work for; or at least the three or four outfits I think I could do best with." he continued. "I'd rather work with a smaller company. More hands-on supervision and I think I'd learn a lot more different things than I would with a big outfit."

"Who's your first choice?" she asked, interested.

"Blanton and Sons." He said quickly. "Tom Blanton gave some lectures at school and I think he's got the right ideas about how to run a construction business. He's a graduate of B.C.I.T. too! I've already sent him a couple of letters and I'll call him just before December and see if I can't bug him into giving me a chance." 

"Where are they from?" Julie asked.

"Right here; West Van. Almost all their work is on the North Shore. Perfect for me!" he replied.

"Good luck!" she smiled. "You've worked really hard to get this degree."

"Yah. I don't want to work in the Lumber Yard any longer than I have to." he frowned. "I want to build things and repair and renovate houses and such." 

Julie looked at Robbie with a new respect and admiration. He was clear about his goals. He was willing to sacrifice his time and effort to get ahead. He had almost completed a difficult education entirely through night school; a remarkable feat on its own. He was unlike any of the young men she had been familiar with either in Toronto or back home here in North Vancouver. Her first opinion of him being too small for her was washed away by the realization that it wasn't a value that was important to her any more. He wasn't a victim of 'short man syndrome' in any way that she could see. He didn't wear high heeled boots or lifts; he accepted himself for who he was. On the other hand, he was fastidious in his simple dress code. His clothes were clean and where appropriate, pressed. His shoes were shined and his hands were clean, including his nails. He didn't wear any jewelry with the exception of a simple wristwatch with a metal strap. He didn't smoke and as far as Julie could remember, she had never seen him take a drink. The word that came to her mind when describing him was 'disciplined'. He was fit and well muscled and yet he didn't display it. What had attracted her attention in the beginning was his politeness and the fact that he treated her with respect. Oh yes, and one final thing; he clearly had a 'crush' on her. She wondered idly what it would be like to kiss him.

Robbie was reveling in his evening with Julie. She was a very beautiful young woman with none of the airs or juvenile ways of her contemporaries. He really didn't know much about her except that she was the woman of his dreams and that he had set his sights on capturing her. He was nervous because he couldn't yet determine quite how she felt about him. He knew it was a long shot, but she was well worth the effort. She seemed to be responding to him and he was encouraged that the date had gone as well as it had so far. He tried to image what it would be like to have her in his arms and kiss her passionately. She was still very young and yet she seemed to act older than her twenty years. He wanted to get her to tell him about herself, but she was very reluctant and he was careful not to push her where she obviously didn't want to go. He once again fell back on his old reliable dictum: be patient!

"Do you like dancing, Julie?" he asked.

"Yes, I do, but I'm not very good at it." she replied. 

"I'd like to take you to a dance or maybe to a club where we could dance. Would you like that?" he asked hopefully.

Julie paused and looked at Robbie for a moment. "As long as it was with just you." she answered seriously. "I haven't been to a dance in ... years." her voice trailed off.

"Hey! Julie! Now I have to worry that I'm a good enough dancer for you." he said smiling.

"You don't have anything to worry about. Besides, with just the two of us, who'll know if we aren't any good?" she laughed.

"I wish you and I didn't have to work nights. We could enroll in the dance classes at the community centre and learn to dance properly. That would be a lot of fun." he grinned.

"Well, I guess we'll just have to do the best we can." she smiled.

Robbie reached out and put his hand on hers. It was an instinctive move and Julie wasn't surprised or uncomfortable with it. 

"This has been a great evening, Julie. Thanks for coming with me." he said sincerely.

"Thank you for asking me. I'm enjoying it too."

"So my next project is to find a dance we can go to on a Sunday or Monday night." he said succinctly.

"Now that's going to be a challenge. Besides, how will you get off on Monday? You have classes on Monday." she said seriously.

"I'm almost finished Julie. By Christmas, I'll be done and I'll have my certificate. Then, Mondays will be free. I'll be able to see you twice as often." he said hopefully. 




Quartet: Julie Ch. 03



They continued their friendly conversation for the next few minutes. Robbie could sense that she was completely comfortable with him and that perhaps she might be attracted to him. He would take nothing for granted. He tried to imagine what it would be like to hold her in his arms as they danced; pressed closely together. He would have to find a place for them to dance; it was his next priority. 

-0-

Just before Christmas, Robbie came into the restaurant with a wrapped package in his hands. It looked like it might be a picture wrapped in brown paper. Robbie placed it carefully on the counter in front of him and waited for Julie to come to him. 

"Hi" she said quietly. "What's that ... or maybe it's none of my business." she smiled.

"Oh, it's something I've wanted for a couple of years now." he said cryptically. And with that he began to unwrap the package. It was the framed certificate of his graduation from B.C.I.T.

"Oh Robbie, you must be so proud." she exclaimed. She held it in her hands and leaned over and kissed him lightly on the lips. "Congratulations!"

Robbie was caught completely unawares. They had never kissed before and it was so soft and so perfect, he didn't know how to respond. "Thanks, Julie." he finally stammered. 

"So, does that mean you're going to stop coming in here during the week?" she asked coyly. 

It was a question that Robbie hadn't anticipated. For all his planning and effort at reaching his goals, he had completely forgotten his week night routine; pie, ice cream and tea. 

"No ... No ... of course not. I'll be here!" he said forcefully. 

"I'm glad. I'd miss you if you weren't here at nine." she smiled. 

"Ah ... good ... I mean ... ah ... I'd miss you too." he stammered awkwardly. His head was spinning. First the kiss and then her hope that he would still come in even if he wasn't in classes. It was the first time he had a signal from her that he was someone important to her.

-0-

In the matter of human relations, men and women usually connect at different times and different places. Of course there is a case for 'love at first sight', but on the whole, that is the exception to the rule. In the matter of Julia Payton and Roberto Delgado, no such concurrence took place. Robbie was smitten with Julie almost from the moment he met her. His continuing patient pursuit of her only added to her allure. For Julie, however, her acknowledgment of his existence and recognition of his unflagging interest in her was only a first step. It took several weeks before she realized she had become dependent upon his arrival each day. After their concert date, Robbie had been coming in on Saturday evenings as well and escorting her home. Julie now felt safe in his presence and was gradually recognizing his importance to her. They had kissed again after they had gone for a walk along the seawall in Stanley Park and it seemed each kiss thereafter lingered slightly longer and with slightly more intensity.

Robbie had sensed that Julie had some inner forces holding her back from releasing herself to anyone; much less him. He decided not to confront her about his suspicions until after Valentine's Day. He had something special planned for her that day and he would do nothing to spoil it. He had thought about that upcoming special day for several weeks, as soon as he realized it would be on a Sunday; one of Julie's days off. He wanted to do something special for her; more intimate or personal than just dinner or flowers. He knew it would have to be the right balance; not too suggestive or personal or it might spoil the whole day. He finally decided on a day at the Spa. Massage, tanning, whirlpool; all just for her. He would drive her to and bring her back from her day of relaxation and pampering. 

Robbie had been hired by Tom Blanton to work under his brother Vinnie on one of the crews. He was delighted that he was working for the best of the best. In a matter of six weeks, he had become fully trained in his responsibilities and had made some suggestions to Vinnie on how they might be more efficient. He had noticed that Vinnie's crew would often be short of work because supplies had not arrived when needed. Without trying to upstage Vinnie, Robbie suggested he take the materials planning problem on himself and relieve Vinnie of that burden. At first Vinnie was reluctant and viewed Robbie as an upstart. On reconsideration he recognized that it would mean less work and someone else to blame if materials were late. He agreed to let Robbie handle the responsibility. Within two weeks, late deliveries were almost a thing of the past. Vinnie patted himself on the back for being so far sighted. While Robbie's salary wasn't huge, it was enough for a down payment on a used Mazda pick-up. . He could see a real opportunity with T. Blanton and knew that once past his probationary period, he would receive a substantial increase in pay. He was halfway through that period now and did not expect to fail. 

Robbie's new job also gave him some spending money which he could carefully use to woo Julie. He hadn't been with a woman for some months; in fact several weeks before he had begun his final semester at B.C.I.T. But in typical fashion, he had seen the woman he wanted to be with and he was prepared to wait until ... until ...? When Julie learned of Robbie's plan for Valentine's Day, she was shocked and surprised. Her first instinct was to refuse the gift; it was far too expensive and besides, it was very personal. When she got over the initial shock and saw the look on Robbie's face, she graciously accepted and thanked him with a kiss and a hug. She knew it was a special gift from him and she surprised herself at how much she looked forward to it. 

When Robbie picked her up at her home, he gave her a card and a single red rose. 

"Thank you, that's lovely." she smiled. "I'm excited about today. I don't know what to expect."

"Just relax and enjoy yourself. It's your special day and I want you to have fun. I want to hear all about it when I come and get you this afternoon."

"I wish you were coming too." she said sincerely.

"I don't think that would go over too well with the other ladies." he laughed. "This is a women's only affair."

When they arrived at the Spa, Julie took her rose, card and the small sport bag she had brought from home, kissed Robbie on the cheek and opened the door.

"See you at four thirty."

"I'll be here waiting for you." he said with a smile.

Later that afternoon as she relaxed in the whirlpool, Julie began to think seriously about her relationship with Robbie. He had sort of sneaked up on her; a stealth courtship she thought smiling to herself. He had grown on her and she was surprisingly dependent on his being there each day. He was obviously very interested in her and it finally occurred to her that he was enormously patient with her. She thought about how long they had known each other and yet they had barely touched each other with the exception of some brief kisses and the occasional hug. Was he afraid of her or that she might reject him? It didn't seem like it; he was almost always upbeat and optimistic. When she was down, he could pick her up in a minute and make her feel better. She tried to analyze her feelings and kept running into a wall. She had no intention of dating any other men. He was the only guy she had been interested in since she had come back home. She wished her Aunt Eleanor were here. She could help her understand what was happening. 

Just after four thirty, Julie emerged from the Spa and found Robbie waiting for her in the front breezeway. 

"Hi, how was your day?"

"Oh Robbie, it was wonderful. I was so pampered and looked after. It was a fabulous gift from you. Thank you very much." she gushed, wrapping her arm around his waist and walking with him to his truck. 

"Terrific. I'm glad you enjoyed it. You'll have to tell me all about it." 

"It's the first time I've actually had some time to think ... about us I mean." she said carefully. 

Robbie turned and looked at her. He took his hand off the ignition and cautiously asked: "What about us?"

"I've been very careful not to get involved with ... anyone ... at least since I came back to town." she began. "I ... I have feelings for you Robbie. You've become important to me and I don't know what that means. I mean ... I don't understand my feelings and I'm a bit afraid of them."

"What are you afraid of Julie?"

"I'm afraid ... I'm afraid of ... falling in love." Julie looked at Robbie with a wide eyed deer-in-the-headlights expression.

"Does that mean that you're ... that you think you're falling in love with me?" he asked hopefully. "Is that what you're afraid of?"

"Yes, I suppose so." she said quietly, looking at her hands in her lap. "I've never been in love before. I don't know what it's like; I don't know what to think. I'm a bit scared." she confessed.

"I've never been in love before either, Julie. But I know I'm in love with you." he said softly, looking at her.

She looked at him and smiled shyly. "I know, Robbie. I've known for a while now." 

"Julie, what are you really afraid of. It must be something more important than me. It must be something bigger. I've sensed it for a while now." 

Julie sat for a few moments, saying nothing, looking out the windshield of the truck, her mind swirling in conflict and indecision. What to do? What to say?

"Alright, Robbie. You've got a right to know." she said sadly as she slumped against the door.

It took Julie almost a half hour to tell Robbie her story. She spoke in a toneless voice; almost without emotion. She described the party, the people she was with, the rape; what she could remember of it, the aftermath and the recovery in the hospital. She told him of her visits to the psychiatrist, the group therapy and her move to Toronto. She told him of her Aunt Eleanor and finally of her return to her home. She left nothing out; all the ugliness and terror and horror and depression in the aftermath. When she finished, she realized Robbie had not said a word and had sat there looking at her as she spoke. No interruptions, no comments, no shocked intake of breath ... nothing. After a minute, he sighed and leaned over to her and took her hands in his.

"I'm so sorry Julie. I had no idea. I can't imagine what it must have been like. I'm so sorry."

"Thank you Robbie. I needed to tell you. You needed to know. I'm very afraid ... I don't know if I can ... be with someone ... that way I mean." 

"I understand Julie. I really do. I'll wait for you. I love you and I'll wait for you." he said quietly.

-0-

He was as good as his word. He did wait and yet never left her alone. He was there but never insistent. And then, one rainy early April morning, everything changed. Julie usually spent Monday mornings doing her housework and the weekly shopping. On Sunday, however, she had felt particularly ambitious waiting for Robbie to pick her up for their regular weekend outing. It had been raining off and on and instead of just roaming around her parent's house, she did her Monday chores, including the washing and vacuuming. That freed up Monday morning and she decided to head to the mall for some serious window shopping. She had spent at least an hour wandering through the near empty shops and was drifting toward the food court when a man's voice announced his presence behind her.

"Well look who's here. Julie Payton!" the voice said in a sneering tone.

Julie turned and looked at the man who had come up behind her. The man she faced was tall and gaunt with a scruffy, unshaven face and unruly long hair. Her eyes went wide and she gasped in horror as she recognized him.

"Mike ... No! No! Get away from me!" She was screaming at him as he stood before her with a menacing look on his face. "Help! ... Help!" she screamed again.

Mike Tulkman stood in front of her, saying nothing but with a look of hatred on his face. "Go ahead, scream all you want. I haven't done anything wrong. It's a free country. What's the matter Julie? Bring back fond memories?" The contempt in his voice was unmistakable.

A uniformed security guard trotted over to her. "What's wrong miss?"

"This man ... get him away from me. He raped me. He went to jail. I want him to go away." She was frantic with fear and was backing away from the evil specter from her past. 

The guard turned to Tulkman. "She says you're bothering her. Do you have business in the mall?" he asked in his most authoritative voice.

"Run along, sonny!" was the immediate, dismissive retort. Tulkman began to walk toward the retreating Julie. She began to scream again, hoping someone; anyone would come to her aid.

The unarmed security guard tried to intervene and was felled by a single blow from the larger young man. As he lay on the floor, the guard pulled his walkie-talkie from his belt and called for help. In a minute a second and then a third security guard appeared. In the meantime Michael Tulkman had ceased his advance and was standing in front of a frozen Julie Payton.

"You caused me a lot of pain, Julie." His voice was low and clearly angry.

"You raped me ... you put me in hospital ... you used me ..." she stuttered in reply.

"You wanted it ... you know you did ... that dress ... that yellow dress ... you were begging for it." he continued, his eyes fixed on hers.

"Never ...I never ...wanted to have anything ... happen. You raped me!" she began again more forcefully. "You were on drugs and you helped other people rape me. You bastard!" she spat. 

"You got what you wanted ... admit it!" he growled.

"The only thing I got that I wanted was seeing you and Arnie in jail!" Her voice had grown in volume and now as she looked around her she saw a growing group of people watching the confrontation. "You got what was coming to you, Mike. You got what you deserved!" she yelled.

Mike Tulkman tried to lunge at her but was quickly restrained by a strong hand on his arm. He swerved around to try and swing at whoever was holding him back and found himself looking straight into the face of a uniformed R.C.M.P. constable. "That will enough out of you, young man." the female constable snapped. "Let's you and I have a talk over here." she said forcefully as she led him over to an open area. 

In a few seconds, a second male R.C.M.P. constable arrived and after stopping to check with his partner, walked toward Julie.

"Are you alright, miss?"

"Yes, a bit shaken I guess." she said haltingly.

"Do you know this man?"

"Yes. His name is Mike Tulkman and he raped me and he went to jail and now he's out and he came after me when he saw me ... and ...." She began to break down. She had faced down her tormentor and now felt she might be safe again but she was shaking and looking around for a friendly face somewhere in the crowd. 

"Calm down, miss. What's your name?" the constable asked quietly.

"Julie ... Julia Payton." she responded.

"Did you say this man raped you?"

"Yes, almost three years ago, at my grad party ... I mean ... afterwards ... at a house party." she stammered.

"Was he arrested?"

"Yes, he and his friend and two other guys. He put something in my drink and they raped me. They all went to jail." She was beginning to hyperventilate again.

"OK, calm down Miss Payton. We'll look after him." he said reassuringly. "Do you want to swear out a complaint?" he asked.

"Yes ...I don't know ... what will happen?" 

"Well, if he's out on parole or on probation, he could be in serious trouble. Maybe back in jail." The constable was watching her carefully.

"I'm scared. I'm scared he'll come after me again. He thinks it's my fault he went to jail. He thinks I wanted him to rape me." She looked at the constable searchingly; hoping for reassurance.

"OK, I think you would be wise to file a complaint against him. At the least we should be able to get a restraining order to keep him away from you. I'm going to talk to my partner for a moment and then she'll stay with you to get your statement. OK?"

"Yes ... thanks."

Julie sat down in one of the food court table seats and waited for the other R.C.M.P. constable to come over. She was talking to her male partner and gesturing at both Julie and Mike. Finally she walked over to Julie.

"Julie, you probably don't remember me; I'm Corporal Janet Mayne. I interviewed you when you were raped by Mike and his friends. Do you remember our talk?" 

"A little bit. I was pretty sleepy when we were talking."

"Yes, well here's what I want you to do. I want to take you to my office and we'll fill out a formal complaint against Mike and that will take care of him bothering you again. Is that OK?"

"Yes ... do you think it will stop him from coming after me?" she asked.

"I think so. I'm sure he doesn't want to go back to jail and that's what he's looking at if he doesn't behave. Why don't I take you out to the car and I'll give you a ride to the office and then bring you back here or take you home. My partner will look after Mike."

It took over an hour to swear out the formal complaint and finish the paperwork. Julie had calmed down and was feeling much more secure and less threatened than she had. She was grateful that Janet Mayne knew her and she didn't have to answer a lot of questions about the rape. When they had finished, Corporal Mayne drove her home and made sure she got inside safely before driving off. As she had almost three years earlier, she gave Julie her card and told her to call if anyone bothered her or threatened her. 

Julie walked into her house and slumped down on the living room sofa. She was exhausted from the confrontation and from the tension. She tried to collect her thoughts. The house was empty because her parents were in Arizona on vacation and wouldn't be home for another week. Also, it was Monday, the day she and Robbie went to dance lessons at the community centre. They had begun in March and tonight would be their sixth lesson and normally she would look forward to the session with great pleasure. Right now, it was the last thing on her mind. She looked at her wristwatch; it was three o'clock. She put her head back on the wide, soft arm of the sofa and within a few minutes was fast asleep. 

The sound of the door bell woke her. She was groggy and for a moment she was disoriented before realizing there was someone at the door. She got up and looked out the side panel glass to see who was there. It was Robbie. She quickly opened the door.

"Oh Robbie!" she cried. "I'm so glad you're here." She threw her arms around him and held him tightly.

"Julie, what's the matter?" He could feel her sobs through her body and gradually pushed her away. "What's wrong Julie?"

"The man who raped me ... he saw me in the mall ... he came after me ... I was scared, Robbie." 

Julie managed to get the whole story out over the next few minutes and Robbie listened, holding her hands and hugging her occasionally when she was overcome with emotion. He was relieved at the outcome and made a mental note to personally thank Corporal Mayne for her kindness. Julie had calmed down and was lying quietly in Robbie's arms. 

"Have you had anything to eat, Julie?" Robbie finally asked.

"Not since breakfast."

"Why don't I look after supper? We'll just stay in tonight." he offered.

Julie looked at her watch and realized it was after six. "What about our dance lesson?" she asked.

"I think they can do without us for one night. I think you've had enough excitement for one day, don't you?"

"Yah. Besides, I like where I am right now. Why don't we stay just like this?" she smiled, looking up at him.

"Sure. But sooner or later you have to eat." he said quietly.

"Robbie ... I ... I'm ... I don't want to be alone. Will you stay with me tonight?"




Quartet: Julie Ch. 03



"Yes, Julie. I'll stay with you ... for as long as you want me to.



Quartet: Julie Ch. 04



Julie Chapter 04: The Changeling

Just before seven that Monday evening, Robbie untangled himself from a now sleeping Julie and went to the kitchen to made them something to eat. He decided on soup and sandwich and set about preparing both. When he was about halfway through his preparations, a sleepy eyed but smiling Julie padded barefoot into the kitchen and wrapped her arms around him. He smiled as she hugged him tightly to her voluptuous body. He was acutely aware of the affect she was having on him but was celebrating this amazing change in their relationship. 

He couldn't really understand it. She had gone through another terrifying experience that might have turned her back toward to her protective former self. Instead, it had somehow released her from those bonds and she was now seeking his support and comfort. It was too complicated for him to understand and he chose to accept it for the good fortune that it was. It had seemed like a lifetime since he had first walked into the restaurant and ordered the pie ala mode and tea. In fact, it was almost eight months from then until this special moment. 

He turned to face her, leaned forward and kissed her with an intensity that had been untapped for that long interlude and she responded with a passion he did not know she possessed. Their tongues met and they were locked in exploration of each other. His hands trailed down her back and caressed her buttocks; squeezing and kneading them as he held her close to his abdomen. She must have felt his erection as she began to grind her hips into his. They briefly ended their kiss as Julie's mouth moved to his neck and he kissed the lobe of her ear and the nape of her neck.

"I want you, Robbie." she said softly. "I need you."

"I want you too Julie. I've always wanted you. I always will." 

"Make love to me, Robbie." 

"Julie ... I hate to ruin this moment ... but ... I'm not sure this is a good time for us to ... I mean I didn't expect ... I didn't know ... this might happen."

"It's alright, Robbie." she said softly. "I have a diaphragm. It'll be safe."

"Julie ... that's not what I mean. You've had a bad experience. Are you sure about this? Very sure? This might be a big mistake for us."

"No Robbie, I'm sure ... very sure. You are the man I want to be my first. I love you Robbie."

"Oh Julie, you can't know how good it feels to hear you say that. I love you ... you know I love you."

She took his hand and led him to her bedroom. She turned on a small lamp on her dresser and sat on the edge of her bed. Robbie sat beside her. As if in slow motion, he began to remove her top. Robbie marveled at her body. She was not one to wear tight or revealing clothing and the flawless beauty of her body was a revelation to him. He gently reached behind her and unhooked her bra. Slowly he drew the straps forward and off her. Her breasts were larger that he had imagined and they were perfectly formed with dark aureoles and nipples. His hands moved to them as he looked in her eyes. He gently caressed and cupped them in his hands as his thumbs began to trace circles around the nipples. 

"You like?" she smiled.

"Yes, very much. Like you, they are very beautiful." He bent forward and took a nipple between his lips, using his tongue to stimulate and cause it to stiffen. 

Julie arched her back and moaned softly as he began to excite her. Her head went back and her eyes closed as Robbie's mouth coveted first one breast and then the other. She was feeling surges of electric-like pulses move through her body. Everything was new and strange and she was thrilled by these feelings. Robbie reached for the button on her slacks and undid it, slowly pulling the zipper down. He gently pushed Julie back on the bed and pulled the waistband of her pants down. Julie arched her body to assist him and he removed the slacks and placed them over the end of the bed. She lay back on the bed gazing at him; now wearing only her white cotton underpants. Robbie leaned over and kissed her and stroked the side of her face with his fingertips. 

"You are so beautiful Julie." he whispered. 

"Let me see you Robbie." she answered.

He stood up and removed his shirt, pants and then socks. He stood tentatively in front of her in his jockey shorts and then, slid them slowly down over his hips and let them drop to his feet. Julie had been looking at his face and then dropped her gaze to his groin. His erection was prominent and she rolled herself across the bed and reached for his manhood. She held it gently in her hands, looking up and Robbie's face as she did. Robbie flinched at her touch. He was excited by the beauty of this young woman and he knew he must be very careful to make sure this was a special and meaningful union. He reached forward and slowly, gently began to pull her panties down and off. She helped him as she had with her slacks. She seemed relaxed and unafraid, but Robbie was sure she was nervous and he reminded himself to be patient and gentle. He wanted this to be something she would always remember with pleasure.

"I want to make love to all of you, Julie." he said quietly.

"Yes ... please... I want that too Robbie."

He bent over her and began kissing her lips and then progressing slowly down her neck, her shoulders, pausing once again at her breasts to taste and excite her nipples. The tip of his tongue made circles around her aureoles, raising little goose bumps as the cool air in the bedroom touched the warm, wet flesh. His kisses then proceeded down her abdomen to her navel where his tongue dipped into her tiny cavity and caused her to flinch slightly. He looked up at her face and her eyes were closed. Her hands had begun to stray towards her delta and the fingers of one hand were slowly swirling in the fine hair of her pubic mound. Her mouth was slightly open and Robbie could hear her irregular breaths as she reacted to these new sensations. He kissed the fingers that played above her private place and then gently pushed her thighs apart. 

Julie continued to respond without alarm or resistance. She was trusting him and enjoying these moments of new sensations. He was kissing her; licking and tasting her inner thighs now and she wondered what would be next. Robbie rose up on his haunches to gaze at the beauty before him. It didn't seem possible that all this was happening; everything he had wanted to do with her from the moment they had met. He bent over and his lips touched her labia; first kissing lightly and then, as his tongue found the length of her opening, stroking upwards along its length. She flinched noticeably and he heard her sigh and felt her hips react to his touch, but she did nothing to push him away. He began a more insistent stroking of his tongue; pushing gently past her outer lips and now beginning to taste her fluids as she became more excited. Her hips were beginning to rise toward him and he felt the pressure of her hands on his head increase; pulling him in toward her. Her vocal expression was becoming more evident and now her entire body was moving in some unknown ballet. Her breasts rolled back and forth on her chest and her head moved from side to side; sometimes slowly and sometimes abruptly. Her eyes occasionally opened but she seemed not to see anything; looking only at the ceiling of the dimly lit room 

Julie's mind was full of pleasurable thoughts and impulses. Her young lover was gradually bringing her to an orgasm; her first with anyone but herself. She wanted to enjoy every second of this marvelous experience and Robbie was making it easy for her. She just had to lay back and let it all happen. He would look after her; her pleasure and her safety. She felt his thumb touch her near her clitoris and then his finger below it and then she gasped as he gently pinched it and rolled the tiny area between the two digits. His tongue had left her and was replaced by his finger, softly and slowly entering her body, searching her vaginal cavity. Her hips rose involuntarily to accept his probe and she felt the onrush of her orgasm as it washed over her. It was completely different from the orgasms she could achieve for herself. It was more intense and enduring. She felt a slight dizziness and an overwhelming sense of pleasure as the moment passed. 

"Are you ready, Julie?" he asked.

"Yes ... yes." was her quiet reply

Robbie rose up and took her hand and led it to his erection. She knew he wanted her to guide him into her and she held him lightly as he began to enter her. He pushed lightly at first, then more insistently as he moved further and further into her. Julie's knees rose and she spread herself wider to help him move further still inside her. She wrapped her legs around Robbie's thighs and pulled him forward and still deeper into her. As Robbie became fully enclosed by her, he stopped for a moment.

"Are you OK?"

"Oh yes ... I'm fine ... I feel very ... full."

Robbie began to rock slowly back and forth, withdrawing slightly and then pushing back in. Within a few moments, his strokes were longer and Julie began to breathe heavily and her hands clasped his hips as his rhythm continued to develop. He stopped increasing his pace and found a steady tempo that seemed to keep Julie in a state of heightened arousal and would permit him to sustain this motion for some time. He watched her face for any sign of discomfort or concern but saw only the bliss of sexual pleasure in her slight smile and her lovely gaze. Her eyes were open again and she watched him as he watched her. Now and then her eyes would close and after a moment or two would open again. He could detect only a relaxed comfort in her face. He bent his head to kiss her lightly on the lips and then her neck. The sensations for him were everything he had ever hoped for in this wondrous young woman. 

Julie was drifting in an erotic trance. She could feel the exciting sensations of his manhood as it stroked in and out of her in a relentlessly smooth pace. It was the very thing that her Aunt had tried to describe to her and yet she instinctively knew no one could ever begin to articulate. She knew now what all the fuss was about; it was about this unbelievable feeling of being joined with another human in some perfect union. She was no longer frightened of it and now would seek it out over and over again whenever she could. She could now wait patiently for another orgasm in this nirvana of pleasure.

She had slipped into a comfortable, fluid state when she sensed a change in Robbie and an urgency and randomness in his movements. It was as if he was swelling inside her and he was becoming more insistent as he thrust into her. She began to realize changes in her body as well. Her responses were more acute and she could feel the onset of her orgasm. It was unlike the first and came from deep within her. It built quickly and she began to feel light headed and was aware her body was moving; her hips, her shoulders, her head. They all seemed detached from her and yet they were all interconnected. She couldn't begin to understand what was going on but she was powerless to change the inevitability of it. 

Robbie knew his time was up. He had held on as long as he could, buy the intoxicating scent of her sex and firm grip of her vagina on his penis made the outcome of this liaison certain. 

"I'm going to finish Julie. I can't stop it ... I can't." he gasped.

Julie was silent but rising to meet him as his actions became more intense. She was rolling toward her own finish and had surrendered to whatever would come along that path. As Robbie stiffened, grunted and exhaled in short bursts, she felt for the first time the spurt of his ejaculation inside her. First one and then another and then another. She too boiled over and erupted silently in a marvelous, bursting climax. 

They lay gasping and sweating in their loose embrace; struggling to regain their breath and celebrate their mutual delight in each other. Julie had a grin as big as a clown as she panted, lying on her side facing Robbie. All her ghosts and demons had been expunged in this one incredible instant. It was her sexual epiphany. Robbie basked in her afterglow and her joy and felt immensely happy that he had fulfilled his dream with the woman he loved. 

"Let's do that again." Julie said as her breathing returned closer to normal. "I'm ready ... let's do it again."

"It's not that simple, love." Robbie replied in a surprised voice. "I have to recover ... it doesn't happen right away ... usually."

"Can I help?" Julie asked, grinning at him as she reached for his shrinking penis. 

"We've got lots of time ... there's no rush." he offered quietly. "Let's just enjoy ourselves for a few minutes, OK?"

Julie was silent as her eyes scanned Robbie's face. She had a look of serene pleasure as her one hand stroked his face and neck while the other gently held his manhood. 

Robbie reached over and pulled Julie close to him and held her tightly against his chest. His hand slowly stroked the flawless skin on her back and buttocks; occasionally squeezing the beautifully rounded mounds as he paused there. "This is all I've ever wanted, Julie." he murmured. "I feel so lucky to have you ... to be with you."

"Hmmm ... then show me again." she pleaded in a quiet voice. "Please Robbie."

Robbie could feel the stirrings beginning again and knew he would recover soon. As her released his hold on her, he raised himself up on one elbow and smiled at this lovely vision below him. He gently pushed her onto her back with his hand on her shoulder. He began to move himself down, stopping to kiss and lick and suck her sensitive aureoles and nipples. There was a slight salt taste to them this time from the perspiration they had generated a few minutes earlier. He looked up and Julie's eyes were closed once again and faint moans came from her lips. He lingered lovingly on her breasts and then revisited her abdomen and navel. This time there was no shock when his tongue probed the little opening. Slowly he worked his way down to her lightly covered delta, nuzzling his nose among the fine hair. His hands pushed her thighs apart as her slipped between them and began his exploration of her already aroused centre. 

He could see the evidence of their recent encounter; her outer lips were open and reddened and the inner was moistened. Some of his semen had leaked from the vaginal cavity onto her thighs and then onto the bed sheet. He briefly thought he might go the bathroom and bring a warmed, damp washcloth to clean her, but decided he didn't want to break the spell. She was once again heading toward that dreamland where she would celebrate this joining. He moved his head forward and his tongue began to stroke up and down her inner labia. She reacted to his first touch and then her hips reclined before they once again began small, short movements in time with the strokes of his tongue. 

Robbie was not a virgin and he had tasted the combined fluids of a sexual encounter before, but somehow this was entirely different. There was a strong emotional content and the taste of his young lover was entirely different than he remembered anyone before her. He allowed his fingers to roam over her labia and upward to her clitoris. She was moving slowly to some unheard music in her head and he was in no hurry to end that song. We wanted to slow down this rush she seemed to be in. In the back of his mind a small voice was send out warning messages. This was all happening too fast. He wanted to regain control and dictate the pace of their lovemaking but Julie was becoming more insistent, more demanding. It was as if he had released a caged animal and he found himself chasing her and she was in no mood to be caught.

Julie was experiencing feelings she had never felt before. They brought her inexplicable pleasure and she wanted them to continue unabated. She grasped at Robbie and thrust herself on him; his face, his manhood, his psyche. She was insatiable and she was reckless. Her body writhed in ecstasy at his slightest touch. When his tongue penetrated her vagina she exploded in orgasmic delight. As he reentered her with his renewed erection, another overwhelming climax almost caused her to lose consciousness. As he began to thrust into her more forcefully this time, she slapped her hands on his butt and gripped him with all her might; riding his driving motion in a maniacal trip to her next orgasm. Only Robbie's own climax and noisy gratification brought the wild episode to its conclusion. 

Robbie lay on his back, panting and soaked in sweat. He had experienced nothing like this ever before and he was both sated and bewildered. This was not what he had expected and his concerns for her inexperience and his determination to be gentle were thrown to the wind as she had totally dominated the moment. She was a different person and once again, the voice in the back of his consciousness was warning him. He turned his head to look at his lovely partner and she too was lying on her back, her eyes wide open, staring at the ceiling and panting just as heavily as he was. Her beautiful body was also bathed in perspiration. A minute or so later, her head turned toward him and she was smiling and almost giggling as she reached for him. 

"Oh ... that was sooooo good. I want more and more and more. Please give me more Robbie." She was still panting and one hand was covering her pubic mound and moving slowly back and forth. 

"I'm sorry, Julie. I don't think I can for a while. You've pumped me dry." he laughed between breaths.

Julie reached over and took his hand and moved it to her reddened and wet slit. She tried to push his hand into her as her knees rose and her thighs spread apart to welcome his intrusion. Her hips began to move as if to draw him into her. He felt compelled to help her and he sank two fingers into her and searched the top of her vaginal cavity for her 'G spot'. Julie responded almost immediately and her hips pushed upward against his hand and her hands gripped his wrist and tried to push him more forcefully into her. 

"Julie!" he whispered forcefully. "Calm down! Relax. Just let it happen."

Julie paid no attention to him and continued her vice-like grip on his wrist; aggressively masturbating using his hand. Robbie allowed her to control the action and shortly she climaxed with an arched back and rapid, groaning release of her breath. At last, she fell back on the bed, seemingly sated. 

"Julie, are you alright?" he asked, concerned about her uncontrolled behavior. 

"Yes, yes ... I'm fine. I'm lovely. I never knew it could be this good. I never knew. I want to do this every day, all day long." she gasped.

Robbie laughed quietly. "I don't think that I could keep up with that pace, love."

"I'll just have to get some guys who can keep up then." she giggled. "You know of any volunteers."

"No! I don't" Robbie said without humour. "Julie, this is all new to you. Don't be in such a rush. It isn't a contest to see who can last the longest. It's supposed to be about love and affection." Robbie had a frown and a concerned look on his face. The voice in his head was getting louder.

"Oh don't be such a stick-in-the-mud Robbie. I really like this sex stuff and you're really good at it. I want lots and lots of it."

Robbie sank his head into his pillow and tried to regain control of this situation. It wasn't anything he had expected and he had no idea how to get it back to something resembling normal. He pushed himself up and began to gather his clothes and get dressed. Julie looked at him in alarm.

"Robbie, what are you doing? You're not leaving are you?" She had changed from the coquette to the fearful in a matter of a few seconds. "Robbie! You promised you'd stay with me. You promised!"

"I'm not sure that's a good idea, Julie." he said, looking over his shoulder at her. "You're not yourself right now and I'm worried I've made a mistake. I was worried it might not be right and it looks like I was right." he said seriously.




Quartet: Julie Ch. 04



"No please, Robbie. You promised. You said you would stay with me. You said you loved me." She was in tears now, on her knees on the bed pleading with him, trying to grasp him and hold him back.

"I do love you Julie, but this isn't right. Sex by itself isn't love. You're confused and you've had another bad experience today and I don't want to make it worse. I think it's best I go." he concluded.

"No! No! Please, Robbie, please don't leave me alone. I can't be alone ... not now! Please don't leave me alone!" She was desperate and her face showed the fear her voice portrayed. 

Robbie stood and looked at the pathetic young woman on the bed, her head bowed and sobbing into her hands. It didn't seem possible the mood could have changed this rapidly and he knew this was the telltale that all was not well with his lovely Julie. He gazed at her in thought and finally came to a decision.

"All right, Julie, I'll stay. But not in this room and not with you. I'll sleep in the living room on the couch and I'll be right there if you need me, but I won't sleep with you. Do you understand?"

"Yes Robbie. But please, please don't go. I can't be alone. Please sleep in this room or let me sleep with you in another room. I need you close by. I can't be alone." She had been reduced to begging. The desperation was clear in her voice and Robbie was now deeply concerned at her state.

"I won't be far away. Just leave your door open and you'll know I'm nearby." Robbie tried manfully to be forceful and leave Julie no room for argument. She looked at him with reddened eyes and a sorrowful look on her face.

"All right. I guess I'm OK with that." was her almost sulking reply.

"Julie, you know I love you very much. I won't do anything to hurt you. You know that. I will do anything to help you. You must trust me. Do you trust me Julie? Do you?"

"Yes, I guess so." she sobbed quietly. "I wanted this night to be special and now it's turned out all wrong."

"Be patient. We'll have our time. I promise you. You need to get past today and get back to the Julie I've always known. That's the Julie I want." 

His voice was quiet and sincere and the look on Julie's face said she had the beginnings of understanding. Her head dropped again and she fell back onto the bed and curled up in a semi-fetal position. Robbie reached over and pulled the sheet and light woven blanket over her. He sat on the edge of the bed for several minutes until her regular breathing indicated she was sleeping. He turned out the small lamp on the night table and quietly left the bedroom, leaving the door slightly open as he had promised.

Robbie sat in the living room for some time, lost in thought. Something dramatic had happened to Julie tonight and he was very afraid it was more serious that just the shock of her encounter with Mike Tulkman. That may have been the trigger, but her wanton, obsessive behavior was very worrying. He tried to concentrate on what to do about it but couldn't come up with an idea that might get Julie back under some sort of emotional control. Sometime later he drifted off in a fitful sleep.

Early the next morning Robbie awoke. The beginnings of daylight were just apparent and he sat up on the sofa for a moment to get his bearings. Slowly he stood up and walked quietly to Julie's bedroom door and looked in. She was asleep and in a more natural position that when he had left her last night. He left the door open slightly and walked softly into the kitchen. The clock read ten past six as he looked around for the coffee supplies. Maybe a fresh start would give him an idea of what to do next. He had thought of calling Julie's parents, but had set that aside as a last resort. He didn't want to unnecessarily alarm them and he didn't feel he knew them well enough to explain how all this had come about. As the coffee brewed, so too did his mind as he thought about Julie's past and it was then the answer came to him: Eleanor. He looked around the kitchen for a phone pad or list and couldn't find one. He then checked Julie's purse and took out her cell phone. He checked the 'phone book' and quickly found Eleanor Thompson's number. He selected it, pushed send and hoped for a response.

Eleanor walked to the kitchen phone and checked the caller I.D. screen to see who it was. It was Julie and she picked up right away.

"Julie, how are you girl?" she answered enthusiastically. 

"Ms. Thompson, it's not Julie. My name is Robbie Delgado and I'm a friend of Julie's." Robbie spoke in a quiet voice in order not to wake Julie if possible.

"Yes Robbie. Julie has spoken of you many times. I'm glad I'm finally getting a chance to talk to you. How is my girl?"

"That's why I'm calling, Ms. Thompson. She had a bad scare yesterday. She ran into the guy that raped her and it really gave her a shock." 

"Oh my god, no! How could that happen? I thought he was in jail. Is she all right?" 

Robbie began to explain what he knew from Julie's recounting of the morning encounter, her trip to the police station and then home. He described his coming to see her after work and then, haltingly began to recount the events that followed.

"Ms. Thompson, I'm afraid I may have made things worse. I ... I made love to Julie and things kind of got out of hand. She was like a different person and I couldn't get her to understand ... I mean ... well, I just couldn't get control of her. It was crazy." He concluded in a soft, regretful voice."

There was a silence on the other end of the line before Eleanor spoke. "First of all, Robbie, don't blame yourself too quickly. Secondly, call me Eleanor. I already feel like I know you from what Julie has told me and I know you wouldn't take advantage of her. Finally, why did you call me and not her parents?"

"They're in Arizona on vacation. They aren't due back until Sunday and I didn't want to panic them. Julie always said you were the 'Common Sense Lady' and that's why I thought of you."

"Thanks for the compliment. Where is she now?" Eleanor asked.

"She's still asleep in her bed. I stayed on the couch last night to make sure she wasn't alone and would be OK. I think she's slept right through." he answered.

"OK Robbie. Let me call Dr. Weisman. He's a friend of mine and he can give me some advice. Julie didn't think much of the psychiatrist she had after the rape. I don't think she'll want any help from him. Let me see what I can come up with." she said authoritatively.

"Thanks Ms. Thompson ... Eleanor. I feel better talking to you. I'm really worried about her. I want my old Julie back." he said plaintively.

"I do too Robbie." she said sadly. "Where can I reach you?"

"I don't have a cell phone, so I guess if you call Julie's phone and I'll give you my home phone if you don't want her to hear something. I've got an answering machine and you can let me know where and when to call."

They exchanged numbers and then, with polite goodbyes, had hung up. Robbie felt a sense of relief as he had finally been able to share the past few hours with someone else. Julie's Aunt had not been judgmental or upset with him; rather had listened and absorbed what he was trying to convey about Julie's reactions and state of mind. Julie was right; this was a very 'Common Sense' woman. He walked to the coffee maker and poured himself a cup and sat back down at the kitchen table to await Julie.

Shortly after eight Julie shuffled into the kitchen in her housecoat. She smiled at Robbie and sat in a kitchen chair next to him.

"Good Morning." Robbie said brightly.

"Good Morning." Julie mumbled in reply.

"How are you feeling this morning? Would you like some coffee or juice?" he asked.

"Juice please." She was holding her head in her hands and staring at the table top without looking at Robbie.

Robbie went to the refrigerator and took out a carton of apple juice, found a glass in the cupboard and poured, passing the glass to Julie.

"Thanks." Julie took a full mouthful and swallowed, then looked at Robbie. "Thanks for being here last night. I really needed you." she said sincerely.

"That's OK. Did you sleep alright?"

"I woke up sometime and I got a bit scared. I didn't know if you were still here. I went out to the living room and I saw you there sleeping. I was OK after that." she said quietly. She looked at Robbie again and said: "I always look like this in the morning. I guess you better get used to this, huh."

Robbie looked at her and smiled. She seemed different this morning. Perhaps a good night's sleep was all she needed. He could only hope so. "I've got to go to work, Julie. I'm already late. I'll be back later tonight, OK?"

"I'll be OK Robbie. I'm just going to stay here today until I have to go to work. I'll be OK." she assured him.

Robbie got up and moved over to Julie and kissed her forehead. She reached her hand up to him and touched his face. 

"Don't wait up for me Robbie. I'll be late. You are going to be here aren't you?" she asked.

"Yes, but I'll come over later tonight. I have some things to do at the apartment." he said. "I guess I'll need a key, come to think of it."

Julie got up and went to a drawer and pulled out a single key on a key chain and handed it to Robbie.

"I'll see you tomorrow morning, I guess." she said.

"I might wait up for you tonight ... you know ... just to make sure you're OK." 

"I'd like that." she smiled. "I might have a nice reward for you."

"See you then, Julie." He leaned forward and kissed her. "Take care."

Robbie climbed into his truck and headed off to the worksite. He had called Vinnie earlier and let him know he would be a bit late this morning. Vinnie had griped, but recognized Robbie had never asked for any time off since he had started and had promised he would explain the reason when he saw him. As it was, he would be less than ninety minutes late. 

Julie closed the door behind Robbie and headed upstairs to her bedroom. She would have a shower, get dressed and have a proper breakfast this morning. She was feeling refreshed and much more optimistic with a good night's sleep. Yesterday's drama was behind her and she was thinking about what she would need for her work shift today. She was Assistant Manager and she would be running the restaurant from four in the afternoon to midnight. She would call in about 2pm just to make sure she had a full staff.

Just after 1:30pm, Julie called the restaurant and talked to Monica, the assistant. She indicated no one had called to say they wouldn't be in or would be late. 

"Hang on, Julie; Brian wants to talk to you." Monica said just before Julie was about to hang up. Brian was the General Manager of the restaurant and was a genuine guy who didn't fake his honest concern about his employees.

"Hi Julie. Have you seen or heard from Randeen in the last day or so?" he asked in a serious tone.

"No ... no I haven't. Why? What's happened?"

"She didn't show up for her shift this morning and there's no answer at her home phone or her cell phone number. I'm a bit worried." 

"Jeez, Brian, me too. That's not like her at all. Do you want me to call around there and see what's going on?"

"Yah, thanks Julie. I just hope she's OK. I'll see you when you get in this afternoon. Thanks."

Julie hung up the phone and thought about what she had just heard. Randi was never late and would always call if she couldn't make it. She went to the closet and grabbed her jacket and headed out the door. Randi's apartment was only a half hour walk and maybe she was sick or hurt and couldn't answer the phone. 

Julie walked the ten block distance quickly and entered the three story apartment building. She pushed the button on the mail box to see if anyone would respond, but there was no answer from Randi's apartment. She walked up to the second floor and down the dark hallway to #221 and knocked. No response. She knocked again, a bit longer and a bit more aggressively. No response. She called Randi's name and knocked still harder. Still no response. She turned to go when a door across the hallway opened and an elderly lady looked out cautiously.

"She's not there." the old woman said clearly.

"Have you seen her?" Julie asked.

"She left with two men yesterday. She was crying and they had a hold of her arms. I don't think she wanted to go with them. They were East Indians, like her, you know. They looked like Sikhs, you know; they wore turbans." the old woman stated emphatically.

Julie had a sinking feeling in her stomach. Had they found out about her boyfriend? Where were they taking her? What would happen to her? She thanked the old woman and turned and almost ran from the building. She stopped on the sidewalk and wondered what to do next. She started walking toward her home when she remembered Janet, the R.C.M.P. Constable. Maybe she could help find Randi. She crossed the street and headed up the hill toward the R.C.M.P. Station. 

At the front desk, she inquired about Cpl. Janet Mayne and was told she was out on patrol but was expected back when her shift ended in about an hour. Julie left her name and told the desk clerk it was urgent she talk to the Corporal and she would be back in an hour. She wandered around the neighborhood looking in shop windows, killing time until the hour was almost up and then headed back to the station. She was standing at the front desk when Cpl Mayne walked in.

"Julie? Hi, are you alright?" she asked, concerned.

"Yes mam, but my friend is in trouble I think." She poured out the story of Randi and her disappearance and her suspicions about what might have happened to Randi; including the arranged marriage and Randi's fear for her lover's safety. 

Janet Mayne listened carefully and asked some pertinent questions about Randeen's family and where they could be located. Julie didn't know and said she thought they lived in the 'Valley' somewhere, but wasn't sure. Julie also didn't know the name of her boyfriend or where he lived either. 

"It's not much to go on, Julie. I'll call your boss and see if her employment record or application has a next of kin address. I'll do the best I can and let you know, OK?" she concluded.

"Thanks, mam. I'm afraid for her. The old lady said two guys took her away and she was crying. I'm afraid what they might do to her." 

"Leave it to me for now, Julie. I'll call your boss and see what information he has on her relatives and then we'll see what we can find out."

Julie walked out of the R.C.M.P. station with a sense of dread. She knew so little about Randi and she felt so helpless; what could she do for her friend? She walked down the hill toward her home, lost in thought. 



Quartet: Julie Ch. 05



Chapter 05: Someone to watch over me

Robbie shut the apartment door behind him a walked toward the kitchen, taking his jacket off and hanging it on the coat stand. As he entered the kitchen, he saw the flashing light indicating a message on his phone. He sat down at the kitchen table and pushed the 'new message' button. It was from Eleanor Thompson.

"Hi Robbie." she began. "I talked to my friend Dr. Weisman and he was pretty reluctant to give me any advice or analysis over the phone without meeting Julie, but here's what he said. He suggested that Julie might have been reacting to the confrontation in the mall that morning by seeing you as her protection. He said she might just change back to her normal self by herself in a day or two as the threat she perceives passes. However, he suggested you limit your contact with Julie for a few days to give her a chance to feel like she's back to a normal routine."

Robbie listened carefully to the message and then dialed Eleanor's number. She picked up right away. They exchanged greetings and Robbie asked her to give him more details of what the Psychiatrist had said. When she had finished, he told her what he planned.

"She works in the afternoons so I don't see her until I bring her home from the restaurant. Right now, she's afraid to be alone, so I'll stay on the living room couch when she's in bed." 

"Sounds like you're doing the right thing, Robbie. If she doesn't show signs of coming around, we'll need her family doctor to give her a referral to another Psychiatrist. Dr. Weisman gave me a name. Do you have a pen?"

Robbie made note of the Doctor's name and phone number and thanked Eleanor for getting back to him so quickly. They exchanged small talk for a couple of minutes before ending the call. He sat at the kitchen table for a few minutes, contemplating what he should do. He decided to pick Julie up after her shift and drive her home. He would stay in the house only if she insisted and only under the conditions that existed the previous night; he in the living room and she in the bedroom. 

He arrived at the restaurant just before closing and sat at the counter waiting for Julie to close up. She was happy to see him and thanked him for saving her the walk home. As they rode back to her parent's home they chatted about her day and his with no evidence of concern or worry on Julie's part. 

"Are you staying tonight, Robbie?" she asked finally.

"Do you want me too?"

"You know I do."

"Same arrangement as last night, Julie. I'll be in the living room; understood?" 

"If you insist." she said without emotion. "I'd rather have you in my bed, though."

"Be patient, Julie. We'll work it out. It'll be OK. You'll see." His voice held more conviction that he felt. 

-0-

When Robbie awoke at six the next morning, he was conscious of a stiff neck and a sore back. The sofa was a poor choice of bed, even for someone as short as he was. He crawled out from under the comforter and stretched several times to loosen the muscles that had bunched and tightened overnight. He walked into the kitchen and made coffee and then quietly walked down the hall to peek into Julie's bedroom. She was sound asleep and he decided to leave her a note and head off to his apartment for a shave and a shower before going to work. Julie awoke shortly after eight and padded out to the living room to find Robbie gone and no evidence that he had slept on the sofa. A mild feeling of panic passed through her until she smelled the coffee and saw a note on the kitchen table. She smiled as she read the note and immediately felt better. She would see him again tonight.

As the week passed, Robbie picked Julie up each night at the restaurant and drove her home. He continued to sleep on the sofa, despite the discomfort. By Saturday night, he was relieved that Julie's parents would be home the next day. He had developed a plan and he needed to talk to them in private. He would get that opportunity on Tuesday evening; Julie's first day back at work. In the meantime, it meant he could go back to sleeping in a proper bed and hopefully get a good night's sleep for a change. He had become less and less concerned about Julie's behavior as the week wore on. She had either repressed the events of that Monday and her actions on Monday night, or they had been a singular event and weren't likely to reappear. He hoped fervently that it was the latter. Saturday afternoon he called Eleanor and gave her an update on Julie. He caught her just before she was about to leave with Roger to go to the theatre, so their conversation was short. Eleanor was grateful for Robbie's call and was equally pleased that Julie hadn't shown any additional signs of problems since Monday. Robbie told her of his plan to speak with Julie's parents and promised to keep her informed.

Julie's parents returned Sunday afternoon, looking tanned and tired. It had been a long two and a half day drive from Arizona and they were happy to be home. Julie had decided to wait a while before telling them of her experience at the mall and Robbie had asked her if she wanted him there when she told them. Julie seemed uncertain at first and then said 'No'; that she could handle it herself. Robbie promised to come over Monday evening after work and see her then. In the meantime, he had been thinking carefully about what he wanted to talk to Mr. and Mrs. Payton about on Tuesday evening. If he was going to be involved more intimately with Julie, he knew that he would have to be honest with her parents. He also knew there was no guarantee they would accept him; he wasn't a white collar white guy; he was a blue collar Hispanic and he was unsure of how they would view him. He was certain he was going to have to use salesmanship if he wanted their approval. It was old fashioned in these modern times, but it was the way things would be done in his homeland and there was no reason he shouldn't treat her parents with that same respect. He didn't know what he would do if they rejected him. He had no plan for that occurrence. He simply expected to succeed.

When Julie called him Monday evening, she confessed that she had not told her parents about the events of the previous Monday; either in the mall or in their home. Robbie was silent for a moment, and then said:

"Julie, I was going to ask your parents to let me talk to them tomorrow night when you were at work. I wanted to tell them about us, at least how I felt about you and me. If you want, I will tell them about last Monday." He had delivered this message in a quiet but firm voice.

Julie was quiet for a moment. "OK Robbie, but please don't tell them about ... I mean ... what we did that night." she said in worried tone.

"All right Julie, I won't unless they ask me directly if anything has happened between us. I won't lie to them, Julie. I can't do that and expect them to trust me."

"OK, I guess." she said cautiously.

"Julie, why don't you just let me do this and then we'll see how it goes. Then we can decide then what comes next; OK?"

"Yah, OK Robbie." She still sounded doubtful. "Good luck. Will I see you Tuesday night?" she asked hopefully.

"Yes you will." he said emphatically. "I don't want you walking home alone any more. I'll be there."

"See you then." He could hear the smile in her voice and immediately felt better.

-0-

Robbie parked his small truck on the street outside the Payton home just before eight on Tuesday evening. He had phoned the house and talked to Mrs. Payton that morning from work and asked if he could meet with them both and was pleased that she readily agreed. He had met both John and Evelyn Payton over the past weeks as he began dating Julie more regularly. They were pleasant to him and he had made sure in his manner and dress that they wouldn't have a poor opinion of him. He was polite by nature as well as neat. Even at the end of a hard work day on the construction site, he looked less scruffy than the other men. He had shaved off his mustache at New Years and at first Julie had complained, but had now accepted him as clean shaven. Her parents had never seen him any other way. He took a deep breath, opened the truck door and headed for the Payton front porch.

"Hi Mr. Payton. Nice to see you." he offered as John Payton opened the door.

"Come on in, Robbie. Evelyn said you would be dropping by this evening." he said pleasantly.

They exchanged small talk about the recent vacation until Evelyn came into the living room. The conversation petered out and Robbie knew his moment had arrived.

"Mr. and Mrs. Payton, I wanted to talk to you tonight about a couple of things; things that have happened while you were away."

A look of concern passed over John's face but they remained silent.

Robbie began by describing what had happened to Julie a week ago at the mall. There was shock and dismay on both parent's faces as he did his best to describe an event he hadn't witnessed. He told them he had contacted Corporal Janet Mayne on Tuesday and thanked her for her intervention and assistance. Robbie reminded the Paytons that Cpl. Mayne had been the attending officer at the scene of Julie's rape. Robbie also let them know that Julie had told him of her rape and the events of that evening a few weeks ago. Finally, he began to tell them of his feelings toward Julie.

"I guess there isn't any easy way to say this, so I'll just say it: I'm in love with your daughter Julie." He waited for the reaction.

"Oh my." was her mother's response. John Payton looked carefully at Robbie with a tight-lipped expression but said nothing.

"I guess I knew it when I first me her while I was going to night school. I didn't think I had a chance with her ... you know ... she was beautiful and I was ... well ... not exactly Brad Pitt." he smiled. "But I guess over time, she kind of saw me differently and I think now she feels the same way about me as I feel about her." he said cautiously. Again he paused, waiting for a reaction.

"Robbie, I appreciate your honesty, but, why are you telling us this?" John Payton finally asked.

"When I came here on Monday evening she was in terrible shape. She had been re-living the shock of seeing Mike Tulkman again and it brought back a lot of bad memories. She needed someone to be here and that was me." He paused again and this time there was no interruption. "She wasn't herself. She needed someone to comfort her and one thing led to another." his voice trailed off.

"Do you mean you had sex with her?" John asked pointedly.

"Yes sir. I was very worried that it was the wrong thing to do, but she was very insistent; not herself at all. I felt terrible afterwards and I feel terrible now, but I didn't want you to find out ... I mean ... I'd rather you heard it from me. I'm not very proud of myself." he said quietly.

"No, I guess not." Julie's father said pointedly. "Have you been sleeping with her while we were away?"

"No, not even that night. I've been sleeping on the sofa in here. She didn't want to be alone, but I wouldn't ... I mean I couldn't ... sleep with her in her bed."

"Well that's something, I guess." her father sniffed. "Did you use protection?"

"Julie said she had a diaphragm. I don't carry condoms with me. I wasn't planning ... Sir, it just happened." he said shaking his head.

"That's how it usually goes ... it just happens." John Payton looked grim but strangely not angry.

For the first time, Evelyn Payton spoke. "Why didn't you call us? Julie had our number."

"She didn't want to upset you when you were so far away. I agreed not to call you, but I called Julie's Aunt Eleanor and got some advice from her." 

Evelyn looked surprised. "I didn't know you knew her."

"Julie's talked about her a lot. She doesn't know I called her but Mrs. Thompson was very helpful. When I described Julie's aggressive behavior, she contacted a Psychiatrist friend of hers and got some advice. He said he thought Julie might be OK in a couple of days, but if anything happened, she gave me the name of another Doctor here in Vancouver to call. I wrote it down." He pulled the hand written name and phone number from his shirt pocket and gave it to Julie's mother. 

John Payton studied Robbie for a moment. He was beginning to relax. Other than having had sex with his daughter, Robbie had acted responsibly and had not made matters worse. He has used his own initiative to call Eleanor. John was upset that he hadn't been called in Scottsdale, but realized he was three days away from home unless he took a plane and left his car in Arizona. Logistically, that was not a good option. 

Evelyn broke a brief silence. "Would you like some tea or coffee, Robbie?"

"Oh, tea would be nice, thank you." Robbie paused for a moment. "That's how I met Julie. I was going to B.C.I.T. night school across the road and I went to her restaurant for tea and a piece of pie when the class was over." he reminisced.

John Payton leaned back in his arm chair for the first time since Robbie had entered their home. He considered himself a good judge of character and felt he was able to read people. He had liked Robbie from the first time he had met him. He wasn't anything like the young men he saw around town. He was neat, clean, polite, well spoken and now, well educated. John had a high opinion of B.C.I.T. graduates. He had hired several at his firm and they all came with a one special ingredient; they knew how to work! He was interested in how Julie felt about Robbie. He was small, almost Jockey size and he was Hispanic; Mexican he said. Julie was still very young, only 20; too young to get married he thought. 

When Evelyn brought in the tray with mugs of tea there was a break in the tense conversation and no one spoke for a while. Finally, Evelyn looked over at her husband and said: "Well, John, I think we should thank Robbie for coming here tonight and telling us what's happened to Julie. I admire your honesty, Robbie." she said turning to him. "I can't say I'm pleased about what happened between you and Julie, but you didn't make it worse and I don't feel like you took advantage of her. I know what she's like when she makes her mind up on something; she's very hard to stop." John Payton nodded his head in agreement.

Robbie let himself breathe again as he felt the worst of his confessional was over.

"Why don't you tell us what you plan with Julie?" Evelyn suggested.

"We're not ready for marriage yet, Mrs. Payton. I have a small apartment and I'm just getting settled in my new job. It's going to be a while before we're ready for that. But, I want to see her and be with her. She's very important to me and I want her in my future ... if she'll have me" 

"I have to agree." John Payton spoke up. "She's too young for marriage but she's been pretty responsible since she came back here from Toronto. She's grown up a lot since she left here." he concluded.

"Do you plan to live together?" Evelyn asked him pointedly.

"Not without your permission." was Robbie quick response. "I think it's too early. She still has some recovering to go through yet and I don't think it's a good idea to rush her. Of course, Julie probably won't agree with me." he said smiling.

"Well, I've got to admit, this is a first!" John exclaimed. "I never expected anyone to ask for our permission to let our daughter live with them. This is a different world." He smiled slightly for the first time that evening. "Why don't we just think about this for now? I think you're right that it's too early, so that gives us some time."

Robbie nodded his agreement, but Evelyn sat quietly non-committal.

"I think I need to have a talk with Julie ... by myself." she said finally. Her husband turned his head and gave her a quizzical look. "She's very naïve and inexperienced. I don't want her to make a big mistake at this time of her life; especially with what's happened to her in the last two years." She had a determined edge to her voice and neither man chose to comment on her assertion.

"Well that just leaves the question of whether I have your permission to date Julie." Robbie said.

"Why don't you wait until I've had a chance to talk to her Robbie? I'll know better then if I'm comfortable with her being with you ... or anyone for that matter. Do you agree John?" Her husband nodded his head.

Robbie stood to leave. "Thank you for seeing me tonight. I'm very sorry if I've caused you pain and I can only promise you that I want what's best for Julie too. I'll respect whatever decision you make."

With that, they said their goodbyes and Robbie left to head back to his apartment. He had a couple of hours before he would drive to the restaurant to pick Julie up and take her home and it would give him time to think. He had changed his mind at the last minute and decided to tell her parents about their sexual interlude; although he said nothing of her insatiable behavior afterwards. It would leave nothing to be exposed at a later time.

When Robbie had left the Payton house, John and Evelyn sat quietly in the living room. "What do you think, mother?" John asked.

"You know I like Robbie and I think I trust him, but I'm not so sure about Julie. She's very young and I'm not sure she's ready for a mature relationship yet. I think I need to talk to Eleanor and see if she can give me some insight. And then I need to talk to Julie." Evelyn was calm and thoughtful as she spoke.

"I like Robbie too. He's a solid citizen and he went up a couple of notches with me tonight when he told us what had happened without being prodded. I think he's honest too. I guess it's a matter of whether Julie is ready for this or not. I'll leave that up to you to decide, dear." John wisely deferred to his wife when it came to what was best for their daughter. This truly was uncharted territory for him.

-0-

The next afternoon, Evelyn Payton called her sister Eleanor in Toronto and after the usual greetings she got down to the heart of the matter.

"Robbie came to see us last night, Ellie. He said he'd had sex with Julie. I was pretty upset for a while. Did you know about this?" 

"Yes, Ev, I did. Robbie phoned me the next day and told me what had happened; both at the mall and at the house. I don't know how graphic his description was for you, but what he described to me was a very frightened young woman reacting in a very aggressive manner. She might not have raped him, but it wouldn't have been much less."

"Eleanor! How can you say such a thing! Julie wouldn't have done something like that; she couldn't have." 

"Calm down, Ev. She was in a bad way and Robbie just happened to be there. It's a good thing he was. At least she had someone to hold onto. It could have been a lot worse. Think about it." Evelyn's older sister always had a commanding way about her and it helped settle her down again. "Robbie acted in a very responsible way, all in all. I'd like to meet him sometime. He sounds like just what Julie needs." she continued authoritatively.

"That's why I called, Ellie. Robbie wants to date Julie and eventually, he says they want to live together. He asked for our permission." 

"He what?" Eleanor exclaimed. "Oh grab that boy, Ev ... he's a keeper. He really asked permission?" she asked incredulously.

"Yes. He said he knew they were too young to get married yet because he was just starting out on a new job, but he wants to marry her some day."

"Wow. What's this world coming to? Well, all I can tell you is that he isn't like any of the young guys I know about. He sounds kind of 'old world' actually." Eleanor said, still marveling the revelation.

"He's from Mexico originally. He's very neat and clean cut and he has a good education. He's polite and I'm pretty sure he's honest. But, god, Ellie, he's short!" Evelyn laughed for the first time.




Quartet: Julie Ch. 05



"How short is short?" her sister asked.

"I think he's about 5' 2" or so. He is handsome though. A real "Latin Lover" looking guy. I could go for him myself if I was a couple of decades younger." she laughed again.

"Well, Julie's a lot more savvy today than she was a couple of years ago. She's been burned a couple of times already and she's been very cautious about getting involved. If she's fallen for Robbie then it's because he was patient and understanding. Just talking to him on the phone gave me some confidence that he's a good guy. I don't think he's trying to hide anything if he told you what happened between him and Julie. He was just protecting her." Eleanor concluded.

"Thanks, Ellie. I feel a lot better after talking to you. I'm going to have a heart-to-heart with Julie and see what I can get from her. I just don't want her hurt again. She's been through hell and back and I'll do anything to help and protect her."

"She's tougher than you think, Ev. I love that girl. She's a winner and she's going to make some guy very happy. Maybe that guy is Robbie." Eleanor said with a smile.

"When are you coming out here to introduce us to that guy of yours ... what's his name ... Robert?" Evelyn teased.

"Roger ... Roger Inhalt. I don't know Ev. Maybe I can talk him into coming out with me this summer. B.C. is lovely then."

"We'll look forward to it. You know there's always room for you here ... both of you." she said pointedly.

They both said their goodbyes and hung up. Evelyn felt much better and more confident talking to her sister. She always did. The two of them could share secrets and know that they would remain secrets. Her older sister was wise and packed with good judgment and she could understand why Robbie would call her; even if he didn't know her other than by reputation.

-0-

Julie had worried about what her parents would think or say when Robbie told her that he had revealed to them that they had been intimate. She was surprised and a bit concerned when neither her mother of father said anything about his visit the next morning. Her father was soon off to work and gave Julie his usual peck on the cheek and a proper kiss and hug to his wife. There hadn't been much time for them to talk to her, but she couldn't detect any negative 'vibes' from either of them. It was her mother that broke the ice.

"Robbie came to see us last night." she said in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Yes, I know, he told me."

"Did he tell you what we talked about?"

"Yes." she answered simply.

"Why couldn't you tell us what happened at the mall, Julie." he mother asked quietly.

"I couldn't ... I didn't want to ... scare you. It was over." she said haltingly.

"I'm sure it was very frightening for you. You shouldn't be afraid to tell us these things, dear." her mother said in a soothing voice. "We're just glad it was handled quickly by the police. We're glad you weren't harmed."

"I'm OK now, mom. I'm not having bad dreams or anything."

"Robbie told us what happened that night, Julie. He was very honest about it. I think he felt badly about ... taking advantage of you."

"He didn't take advantage of me, mom. I ... I begged him ... I was the one who decided ... I wanted him. I needed him." she said as tears formed in her eyes.

Evelyn Payton reached over and held her daughter's hand and looked at her lovingly. "I know, Julie. I understand. He was there for you and he would protect you. I understand."

"I love Robbie, mom. I don't know when it happened, but I just realized it in the last little while. I love him and I want to be with him." The tears were flowing now.

"I know, Julie. But you're still very young and you have to make sure that you choose the right person. You also have to make sure you don't get pregnant or catch some disease." she stated emphatically. "Have you talked to Doctor MacInnes about birth control?" 

"Yes. I was fitted for a diaphragm ... but I don't like it. I'm going to see her again next week. I want to go on the pill."

"Julie, have you had sex with anyone else ... I mean besides Robbie?"

"No! How could you think such a thing? I love Robbie. There's nobody else!" she stated vehemently; beginning to show signs of anger.

"All right, take it easy. I'm just trying to make sure you can look after yourself." her mother said calmly. "I don't mean to pry, but how many times have you and Robbie had sex?"

"Just once ... I was afraid to before ... because of what happened ... I mean ... the rape and all. I didn't think I'd be able to ... but Robbie made it alright. He was kind and gentle. He would never hurt me, mom." Her speech was herky-jerky as sobs and occasional hiccups interrupted the pattern. 

"I'm sure he wouldn't, dear. I think you should go slowly for now. You need some time to get back to your old self again. Robbie understands that; he told me so." Evelyn had continued in her reassuring voice with her daughter. "If there's anything you want to talk to me about ... anything at all ... please come to me. I love you Julie. Your dad loves you too and so do Aunt Eleanor and Robbie. You have a lot of friends who want things to be better for you. Trust us." 

Julie nodded her head and smiled shyly at her mother. Their talk had been very low key and supportive and it reminder her of the time after the rape and how caring and loving her parents were then. She had been encouraged to hear her mother tell her that Robbie loved her. It was an acknowledgement of him that she badly needed. He was being accepted by her mother. She wanted to call her Aunt Eleanor and tell her what was happening. She would be happy she had found Robbie and he was that someone special her Aunt had told her would come along one day. She felt better than she had felt for several days. As her mother left the room, she got up to get changed for work.

-0-

Robbie had a surprise for Julie on the late May Victoria Day weekend. He planned a picnic on Bowen Island and luck was with them as that Sunday dawned with a beautiful blue sky and warm temperatures. He had the entire weekend off thanks to his boss, Tom Blanton. They were in the early part of their busiest season and only because they were caught up and on schedule was he able to give the crew the full long weekend off. 

They caught the noon ferry and drove to the public park near the south end of the island. He had borrowed a picnic basket from a friend at work and had carefully selected a number of deli items to bring on the picnic along with a classic red checked table cloth, plates, cutlery and glasses. He also had a chilled half-bottle of sparkling white wine in the cooler along with some soft drinks. Julie was delighted with his surprise and the lovely late spring weather was a good omen for the day. 

Robbie parked the truck and they took the picnic hamper, cooler and a couple of blankets across an open field to a less occupied area of the picnic ground. They were too late for a picnic bench, but they didn't really care, as long as they had some space and privacy of their own. Dozens of little children ran about the area, playing on the stationary climbing bars, the swings and the water spray. Robbie looked around the park and smiled. He turned to look at Julie and she too was smiling. He wondered if it was for the same reason.

"Some day, I'd like our kids to be running and playing in this park." he said. 

"I was thinking the same thing. It's so nice to have these places for them to play." She turned and looked at Robbie and put her hand on his. "How many kids do you think we should have?" she asked curiously.

Robbie looked at her hand and then at her face and smiled. "As many as you want, love. It's your body and it'll be our home they'll be in most of the day. I'd say it's your choice."

"Don't you plan on being there too?" she asked, laughing.

"Of course, but I don't want you to have to work when the kids are growing up. They need someone at home when they're not in school. I don't want 'latch-key kids', Julie." he said seriously.

"What if I want to work?" she asked, also seriously.

"That's different. Then we should discuss it and decide what's best for the kids." Robbie offered.

"Ha!" she snorted. "Listen to us. We're already planning our family and we haven't even gotten married yet."

"Sounds like a good thing to me, Julie. It sounds like it's what we both want." Robbie was lying on the blanket, propped up on one elbow. Julie sat cross legged, facing him. Both of them were dreaming of tomorrow and both of them felt very comfortable doing it. Robbie pushed himself up and began to open the picnic basket and prepare their lunch.

The spent the rest of the afternoon just relaxing and wandering around the south end of the island. After their lunch and a small glass of wine, they had packed the picnic basket, cooler and blankets back in the truck and began to walk hand-in-hand down the forest trail to the water. It was one of those perfect days with a slight breeze off the Gulf to keep the island from getting too hot. Robbie found a large, smooth rock near the water and they sat together on one edge, looking out over the beautiful vista before them. Robbie had his arm around Julie and occasionally kissed her as they just sat the enjoyed the afternoon sun. When it was time to go, Robbie stood up and helped Julie, folding her into his arms and kissing her passionately.

"I love you Julie." was all he needed to say.

She looked into his eyes and smiled. "I love you too Robbie. Let's go home."

Robbie took her hand and they headed back to the truck. When they arrived at his apartment, they unloaded the picnic items and Robbie unlocked the front door. Julie followed him in and then, putting down the blankets she was carrying, closed the door behind them and moved toward Robbie, encircling him in her arms.

"Make love to me Robbie ... please." she said softly.

He kissed her and took her hand and led her down the hallway to the bedroom. This time, he didn't need to ask her if she was sure. This time there wasn't any doubt in his mind. This time, it would be a choice both of them had made; he was sure of that. Robbie had been very careful not to put any pressure on Julie since that time in April when she had been so aggressively sexual. He had discussed their relationship with her parents and they had left any decision up to Robbie indicating that they trusted him to do the right thing and be responsible. Robbie took this trust very seriously and was determined that he would treat Julie with the utmost care and respect. 

Julie lay back on the bed, looking up at Robbie as he removed his shirt and then his shorts. He kicked off his sock-less sandals and was clad only in his jockey shorts. He lay down beside her and began caressing her breasts while his mouth laid light kisses on her lips and neck and ear lobes. He gradually began to push her cotton tank top up and with her help, removed it, revealing her flesh coloured bra. He unbuttoned the catch on the waistband of her shorts and slid them down over her hips and finally off altogether. 

Julie arched her back as she undid the catch on her bra and allowed Robbie to remove it. Her large breasts and their dark aureoles were gathered up in his hands and he began kissing and teasing the nipples, one at a time. She had closed her eyes and was enjoying the exciting stimulation he was creating within her. She reached down and caressed the outline of his manhood under his shorts and he reacted as she touched him. He pushed himself up and began to remove her panties; she was then completely naked before him. He gazed at her and his hands moved from her breasts down across her abdomen, through the silken hair of her mound and down between her now parted thighs. He could feel the heat and the dampness of her inner thighs as his hand moved toward her most private place. He began to stroke her outer lips slowly and softly, waiting for her to react. Julie moved her hand down over his and added more pressure to his caresses. Her eyes were closed again and he could feel the wetness inside her begin to seep out. His forefinger slid gently between the outer lips and pushed into her rapidly lubricated vagina. Her hips began to move, arching upwards in time with his probing finger. He withdrew his finger momentarily and replaced it with two; pushing more insistently into her. Julie responded both vocally and with more abrupt movements. Her head was moving from side to side and her hips were literally dancing to his rhythmic strokes. 

"Now Robbie ... please ... Now!" Julie pleaded.

Robbie removed his hand from her heated centre, pushed himself up on his arms and moved over her. Julie grasped his rigid manhood and pulled it aggressively toward her waiting, wet labial lips and Robbie responded by pushing himself into her in one slow, deliberate movement. Julie let out a sigh of release and her hands grasped Robbie's butt cheeks. She literally pulled herself up on his shaft; attempting to bury him in her as far as physically possible. Robbie allowed her to draw him in before beginning a slow withdrawal. They were in a contest of wills; Julie attempting to keep him as far inside her as she could and Robbie trying to begin his slow stroking. Julie finally relaxed her grip as she recognized Robbie's intent to bring her more pleasure. She was highly stimulated and knew an orgasm was close no matter what he did. Within a few seconds she was swept away on the first of her climaxes and because Robbie continued his slow, methodical stroke, she experienced no discernible end to the lovely embrace of her orgasm. She had almost forgotten this intoxicating, rapturous state. His careful attention to her brought back the exquisite memories of the narcotic-like trance she had fallen into. She felt she could live in this other world forever. 

Unlike their first experience, Robbie recognized the lack of frantic need and possessiveness that Julie had exhibited. She was far more relaxed and yet fully responsive to his attentions. It allowed him to calm down and concentrate on her reactions to him and draw out the lovemaking over a longer period. She had experienced an orgasm almost immediately but he was surprised and pleased that it had sustained itself within her and that she was completely tranquil, surrendering herself to him. He quickly lost track of time as they moved within each other, kissing and caressing; first Robbie on top and then Julie. Their moves seemed almost in slow motion as there was no sense of urgency in this lovemaking. Both of them were experiencing the joy of giving and the pleasure of receiving.

Sometime later, when they were spent and lying together on his bed, Julie turned toward him.

"It was beautiful, Robbie. It was so much more than our first time. It was everything I ever wanted." she said softly.

"It was, wasn't it." he replied with a smile. "Just think, we've only just begun. We have so much to learn about each other." 

"You'll have to teach me. I don't know what will make you happy. I'll have to learn from you." she said seriously.

"We'll learn together, Julie. We'll find the things that bring us both pleasure."

They held each other without further words and both drifted off to sleep. Sometime later, Robbie awoke and went out into the apartment to turn out the kitchen light and make sure the door was locked. He returned to the bedroom and for the first time, moved into his bed beside his lover and pulled the covers over both of them. He smiled as he saw her sleeping face in the dim lamp light and then reached over her to turn out the lamp. He was in a very happy place. The strange behavior of their first encounter had vanished and their lovemaking tonight was so perfect he couldn't begin to find words for it. He felt a great love for this beautiful young woman and he was grateful she had chosen him. He fell asleep with that pleasant thought.



Quartet: Julie Ch. 06



 Ch. 06: Some Guys Have All The Luck.

The weeks rolled by that summer. Robbie had progressed in his job and Julie had continued to work the afternoon shift in the restaurant. They had talked about her changing to day shift, but that would mean giving up her Assistant Manager's pay and for now, they decided to accept the status quo. Julie and Robbie were pooling their income in a savings account for the time that they would be able to find a better place to live and to help support them when they married. 

Robbie was very happy working for Tony Blanton's company and he was particularly impressed with Tony's oldest son, Tom. He was the operational brains of the company and he was the man that Robbie most respected. His younger brother Vinnie was Robbie's crew chief, but he lacked the organizational skills of his brother and was easily distracted by a pretty face. His private life was often interlocked with his business responsibilities. Robbie had learned to work around this by making decisions on his own that wouldn't embarrass Vinnie, but would get the job done when it had to be done. His scheduling of suppliers was only a first step and soon he was subtly helping the crews work more efficiently. He was conscious that he didn't want to rub Vinnie's nose in it; he just wanted to make the job more efficient. His efforts didn't go unnoticed.

Tom Blanton was the Operations Manager for his father's company and as such, he was up to date on all the jobs they were involved in. It didn't take him long to notice Robbie Delgado. As a fellow B.C.I.T. alumni, he was keenly aware of the efforts Robbie had made to get his education and the persistence that he showed in seeking a job with his company. When he saw the performance of Vinnie's crew improve steadily over the six months that Robbie had been there, he knew it wasn't coincidental. Robbie was doing Vinnie's job for him without Vinnie realizing it. Tom smiled to himself and knew he had his next crew chief. It was just a matter of time.

That time came when Tony Blanton decided he wanted to take on a project for a political friend who had paved the way for several job permits. It would stretch the people resources of his company and he knew Tom would be unhappy with his decision. He was right. Tom was angry that he had no say in his father's commitment to his friend. He knew the onus of performance would be on his shoulders and he would still be responsible for bringing the existing projects in on time and on budget. He would need to create a new crew and he was ill equipped to provide it. He gave it his undivided attention for several days and then decided he would have to take a big risk. He would appoint Robbie Delgado as "Acting Crew Chief" and borrow people from his existing crews to make up three skeleton crews. He would then set about looking to hire sub-trades to fill in the blanks. It was his only option.

As it turned out, it was the right decision. Robbie proved to be the right choice and with a bit of luck on his side, Tom found a couple of finish carpenters who could work for the next five to six weeks and take some of the pressure off. He also found a framing crew that was at least competent and had Vinnie watch them to make sure they did the job the way he wanted it done. It was Vinnie's strength and Tom was confident that he would handle it. By good luck and good management, he was able to get most of the new work done without greatly sacrificing the deadlines on the existing work. He wasn't pleased with his father's decision but he was very happy with his newfound talent in Robbie Delgado. He would have to make sure he rewarded Robbie for his efforts.

When Robbie came home one hot August afternoon, he was in a great mood. He had just had a brief meeting with Tom Blanton and had been given a bonus for his efforts on the 'special project' and he had also been given a raise. Tom had told him that he would be the next crew chief and it wouldn't be that far in the future. As he walked into the kitchen, he picked up Julie and swung her around and then gave her a big kiss.

"You'll never guess what happened today my lady!" he sang.

"What?" she said laughing at his sparkling mood.

"I got a raise and a bonus! Kapow! How about that?" He was gleeful and couldn't wait to share his good fortune.

"Oh Robbie, that's wonderful!" Julie was suddenly as enthusiastic as he was.

"Yes! It's not just some token raise either. It's a BIG raise ... and," he said drawing out the drama. "I'm the next crew chief when the opening comes."

"Robbie! I'm so happy for you. It's all happening so fast. You should be proud of yourself too." Julie was just as happy as he was and their enthusiasm was contagious.

"Come on, we have to have a celebration." he continued. "We have to have a special event to mark this."

"Why don't you take me out to dinner? We can go on Sunday and I get to be waited on instead of the other way around." she said lightly.

"Great, I'll make a reservation and we'll celebrate." And they did. He reserved a table at Cimonini's Tuscan Bistro and they had a wonderful meal and a very romantic evening; complete with violinist, flowers, wine and a special dessert. As they drove home, Robbie was feeling very happy and wanted to share it with Julie.

"Julie ... I've been thinking ... maybe it's time to ... I mean ... we've been together for a while. Shouldn't we be talking about getting married?" he asked haltingly.

"Ha Ha!" Julie exclaimed. "I thought you'd never ask." She was in a good mood, fueled in part by the wine and in part by the wonderful evening. "I've been waiting for this, you know. I've been waiting for ... it seems like a long time." Julie spoke in a light voice and not at all confrontationally. The wine had obviously done its work.

"Well, does that mean you agree?" he laughed as he realized she was a bit tipsy.

"Of course, stupid! I'd have married you a long time ago if you'd have asked me. After all, I am twenty-one!" she stated emphatically.

"Only just, my love. Only just." he laughed again.

"So ... when do we do it?" she said, almost slurring her words.

"I think I'd better talk to your mom and dad." he said quietly.

"Why?" she asked with a wrinkled brow.

"It's the proper thing to do. I want them to welcome this." he said seriously.

"My dad is right. You really are old fashioned." Stated this in a tone which was partly faux disappointment and partly mocking.

"Your dad is always right. Remember that!" he grinned back at her. 

"OK, Mr. Smarty, when are you going to properly ask me?" she challenged.

"After you and I have picked out a ring that you like." 

"Now you're talking. How about tomorrow?" She was determined to pin him down.

"Well, that might be a bit difficult. Both of us are working. How about Saturday morning?" He had obviously given some thought to this.

"OK. Saturday morning it is. Am I allowed to tell anyone we're engaged?" she asked in her still light mood.

"Absolutely not!" he stated emphatically. "No telling until I have your parents' OK and the ring is on your finger." He had no illusions that his prohibition would be respected.

"Spoil sport!"

Robbie laughed and reached over and held her hand as it dropped to her thigh. She was incredibly beautiful; especially tonight. She had bought a new red dress and she had been the most beautiful woman in the restaurant he thought. He knew they would make love tonight he was excited by the idea that they would be man and wife soon. They had become lovers only a few months ago and now they were going to take that next big step.

Late Saturday morning, Robbie and Julie carefully reviewed the rings on display at the jewelry store. Robbie knew that most of his bonus would disappear with this purchase, but he trusted Julie to make a responsible choice and he was not disappointed. She chose a simple ring with an elegant setting for the single diamond with several chips surrounding it. It wasn't a big ring, but it was good quality and spoke of good taste. Unfortunately, the ring needed to be resized and wouldn't be ready until the middle of the next week. It would give Robbie a chance to meet with Julie's parents on Monday night while Julie was off work and formally ask permission to marry their daughter. He didn't want to think of what he would do if they objected.

Robbie phoned Evelyn Payton on Monday morning and asked if he could come over to talk to her and Mr. Payton that evening. She readily agreed and they set the time for eight. Robbie was nervous as he walked up the front steps, holding hands with Julie. He was sure Julie was as well as she had been quiet throughout the afternoon and their supper. He let out a big breath and smiled at Julie as he raised his finger to the door bell.

When they had been greeted and seated, the usual small talk prevailed; although Julie remained quiet, sitting beside Robbie with her hand on his. Finally, Robbie knew the time had come.

"Mr. and Mrs. Payton, I'm sure this won't come as a big surprise, but I've come here tonight to ask for your permission to marry your daughter."

There was silence and Robbie saw John Payton shake his head with a wry smile. For a moment he felt a bolt of fear that he was saying no, but then Julie's father spoke.

"Robbie, you never cease to amaze me. You don't need my permission; Julie's twenty one now. And this certainly doesn't come as a surprise to us. We've been expecting it. But you keep showing me you have class and courtesy and ... oh I don't know. I just know that Evelyn and I will be proud to have you as a son." He ended his comments with a big, open smile; standing up and offering his hand to Robbie.. 

"Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Payton. I'm very happy and I know Julie is too." Robbie said, shaking his prospective fathers hand. He looked at Julie and saw the tears trickling down her smiling face. "She not talking much tonight." he laughed.

"Mom and Dad, Robbie got a big raise and a bonus and he's next in line for crew chief at Blanton. I'm so proud of him." she gushed.

"Well, I guess that answers the only real question I had, Robbie." John Payton said smiling. "Looks like you're well on your way. What do you say mother?" John looked at Evelyn and saw the same tears on the same smiling face as her daughter and she went to Julie and hugged her wordlessly. It was obviously an emotional moment for them both. 

"I've been saving something for this moment." he said as he left the room and headed for the kitchen. In a few moments, the unmistakable sound of a champagne cork was heard and in another minute he returned with a bottle of Freixnet and four crystal flutes. He poured the sparkling white wine and passed the glasses to the women and then to Robbie. "It's not Dom Perignon, but it is Spanish, in honor of our soon-to-be son. It's our way of saying "yes, you may marry our daughter" and I must say, we're very happy to have you in our family, Robbie."

"Thank you. I'm very happy to be a part of it. You've been very good to me and I will be very good to your daughter. You can be sure of that." he said emphatically, taking a sip of the wine.

"Well, have you set a date?" Evelyn finally asked.

"No, not yet." Julie spoke up. "We have some planning to do. Robbie's apartment isn't big enough, so we need to find a place to live. But, I do have a ring!" she grinned. I picked it out on Saturday and I get it on Wednesday. I can't wait to show you and all the girls at work. They'll be envious." she crowed.

They spent the next hour talking excitedly about the future; what kind of wedding, where to hold it, who would be invited and what to wear. Since no one was taking notes, it was unlikely all the details would be remembered in the morning, but no one wanted to spoil the moment. They did agree that spring was better than Fall for a wedding and so the tentative date would be sometime in April, the following year. That would give them plenty of time to find a larger apartment and prepare themselves for the wedding. 

"I can't wait until you meet my Aunt Eleanor, Robbie. She's special." Julie enthused. "I hope Roger comes too. His son and daughter live in West Van. I think he knows the Blanton family too."

"Wow, that would be a 'small world' coincidence." Robbie smiled. "I've got to make sure I invite them too. Without their support, we might not be getting married this soon." Robbie was relaxed and content. He now had what he knew he truly wanted; the love and support of his beautiful Julia.

On Monday morning, Julie phoned and left a message for Cpl Janet Mayne at the RCMP Detachment office. She hadn't heard anything from or about Randi and she now knew she would not be coming back to work. It had been five months since her disappearance and she had never returned to her apartment. Brian had been able to give the RCMP a next-of-kin address for her, but that was about it. 

Janet Mayne phoned Julie back after her shift ended at three. 

"Hi Julie ... how are you?" 

"Fine thanks, mam. I called to ask if you had heard anything about Randi ... I mean Randeen."

"Not much, Julie. We contacted her parents and they weren't very cooperative. They just said she was OK and they had talked to her and that she was getting married this fall. We didn't have any reason to get a warrant or push the investigation any further, so we were stymied at that point. Have you heard from her?"

"No, not a word. I would have called. Did you ever find out who her boyfriend was?" Julie asked.

"No. There was nothing in her apartment. No clues at all. Her cell phone wasn't there, so we couldn't check her outgoing calls. I'm afraid it's a dead end."

"OK, thanks for trying. I'll call you if I hear anything." Julie offered.

"Thanks, Julie. It was nice to talk to you again. Is everything OK with you?" Janet asked.

"Yes, very OK. I'm getting married next spring. You met him ... Robbie Delgado. I'll make sure you're invited to the wedding." 

"Oh, that's wonderful, Julie. I'm very happy for you. I'll look forward to getting that invitation." she said sincerely.

After Julie had hung up, Janet Mayne allowed herself a small smile. Finally, a reasonably happy ending to a bad story. Mike Tulkman had his probation extended with a warning that he would be back in prison if he came anywhere near Julie again. These little successes were few and far between and she had learned to celebrate them when they occurred. Date Rape drugs were still prevalent and it had almost become an epidemic in the club scene. Unfortunately, the courts continued to soft-pedal the prosecutions and so there were few strong prohibitions to the young guys using these drugs. Perhaps a statutory rape charge would change some minds. At least now, Janet had some help with another Constable in the detachment capable of handling these cases.

-0-

Julia Marie Payton and Roberto Miguel Delgado were married in the little Catholic Church at the west end of town. It had started out to be a small, family wedding, but it had grown as more people were invited. Happily, this particular April Saturday dawned bright and sunny and both Julie and Robbie took this to be a good omen for them. Julie's Aunt Eleanor and Roger Inhalt both attended. They were staying at the Payton's house for a few days and then heading off on Roger's son's sail boat for a week of cruising in the Gulf with his son and daughter. Robbie's father Manuel and older brother Diego had traveled from their home in Monterey, Mexico. Robbie's only unfulfilled wish was that his mother was still alive to be here this day. She loved weddings and she was very proud of her family and she would have been one very happy mother. 

Julie's parents hosted the reception at a local hotel and obviously were very happy for their only child. They had met Robbie's father and brother and seemed to get along very well together. They had talked about visiting Monterey on their next winter vacation. The guests all joined in wishing the young couple happiness and, of course, children. Janet Mayne came and was welcomed by the Paytons as well as Eleanor, Julie and the Delgados. Tony, Louise, Tom and Vincent Blanton attended as well. They brought a special gift for the bride and groom; Robbie's promotion to Crew Chief. Robbie felt very good about that. He also discovered that T. Blanton and Sons had renovated Roger's son's house in West Vancouver. It was indeed a small world. The gifts for the bride and groom were all practical as they set up housekeeping in their new townhouse. They had managed to save enough to afford an older three bedroom unit that Robbie was confident he could improve and add value for resale. In the meantime, they had lots of room for themselves and the location was still convenient for them both. 

Julie discovered her pregnancy in October and while they had planned to wait a bit longer before starting a family, she and Robbie were delighted with the prospect of parenthood. Julie took a maternity leave at the end of May the following year and three weeks later, she gave birth to a seven pound, nine ounce baby boy; John Manuel Delgado. John Payton beamed with pride as his first grandson was named after him with the middle name after Robbie's father. Julie decided to delay returning to work until their son was walking and talking and able to understand what day-care was all about. While money would be a bit tight, both of them were in agreement and Julie enjoyed her time with baby John to the fullest. 

Robbie's career at T. Blanton & Sons continued to blossom as he went from success to success. Tom Blanton had become the Operations Manager, relinquishing his crew chief role and Robbie, as his new Crew Chief, reported directly to him. The Blanton's instituted a bonus plan for their employees; not unlike a profit sharing plan, but with performance also tied to the results. Robbie earned a handsome bonus that first year and it made it much easier for Julie to remain at home with the baby. Robbie replaced his aging Mazda pickup with a newer full-sized Ford truck and also acquired a cell phone for both the business and to give Julie access to him on the job-sites. In his spare time on weekends, Robbie worked steadily on improving the Townhouse; starting with the kitchen, then the bathroom and when time permitted, he would begin working on the Master Bedroom. With hard work and Julie's help, they had invested wisely in the building and the results were quickly evident. John Payton estimated they had added nearly $50,000 to the value just with hard work and judicious spending. The Payton's were happy to surprise their daughter and son with new appliances at Christmas; an extravagant gift to be sure. 

As Julie gazed at the High School Yearbook and thought back over the past four years, she was amazed at all the things that had taken place in her life. She never would have guessed at how her life would go from crisis to bliss. She had married a fine young man who truly loved her and their child. She was a mother and the wife of an up and coming employee of a very successful firm. She had a good job waiting for her when she chose to return to work. She had new friends and a home of their own in a good neighborhood. As she looked once more at the Yearbook, she couldn't really remember the yellow dress any more. That was the past and she was happy in the present.

-0-

This concludes Julie's story; the third of the four stories in Quartet. I've got a pair of other stories on the go, so I may be a couple of weeks before beginning the finale. The title "Some Guys Have All The Luck" is stolen directly from a Rod Stewart song and of course, used without permission. Thanks for hanging with me on these yarns. I've been grateful for the positive responses and the helpful comments.